Faustina Baah, a distinguished Ghanaian scholar, has been recognized with multiple prestigious fellowships and awards for her groundbreaking contributions to mathematics education and her unwavering commitment to supporting underrepresented groups in STEM.
As a trailblazer in the field, Faustina’s research and teaching continue to inspire students, educators, and policymakers alike, reinforcing her role as a leading figure in mathematics education.
Her journey of excellence began well before her doctoral studies. In 2019, Faustina’s exceptional teaching abilities earned her the Great Hearts Arizona Teachers’ Excellence Award, a distinction granted to educators who demonstrate outstanding instructional skills and a profound impact on student learning.
Among 95 nominated educators from Great Hearts Arizona Schools, Faustina stood out for her ability to engage and inspire students in mathematics, laying the foundation for her later scholarly achievements.
Faustina’s research in mathematics education focuses on increasing the persistence of women in undergraduate mathematics and statistics programs, with an emphasis on institutional support structures and inclusive learning environments.
This vital work has garnered widespread recognition, leading to several significant accolades. In 2024, she was awarded the George Shoemaker Distinguished Graduate Fellowship by the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) at the University of Missouri, USA.
This prestigious fellowship is reserved for graduate students who exhibit outstanding academic performance and research excellence. According to Dr. Tony Castro, Director of Graduate Studies and Chair of the Fellowship Committee said in his congratulatory message to Faustina,“We are so happy to award you this fellowship. We know that you will be an excellent model of scholarship and leadership for the department.”
In the same year, Faustina’s dedication to educational research earned her the L. Fields and J. Gallup Fellowship Endowment Fund Award, which supports graduate students conducting research that addresses critical issues in education. Her work, which sheds light on the factors influencing women’s retention in STEM disciplines, aligns with the fellowship’s mission of advancing educational equity and reform.
Further solidifying her standing as a leading scholar in mathematics education, Faustina was also honored with the Reys and Bestgen Mathematics Education Scholarship. This scholarship supports individuals who demonstrate exceptional potential as researchers and educators, with a passion for improving mathematics education.
Her research on undergraduate women in mathematics and science programs was particularly praised by Robert Reys, one of the scholarship sponsors, who encouraged her to extend her study to include graduate women in STEM fields. “Faustina’s focus on learning about undergraduate women in mathematics and science programs is incredibly important,” Reys noted, “and I encourage her to expand this research to graduate women in these fields as well.”
Beyond her academic achievements, Faustina remains deeply committed to fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments. Her work is not only theoretical but also carries practical implications for improving STEM education policies and mentoring aspiring mathematicians. Her contributions to research and education continue to influence the field, positioning her as a key advocate for women in mathematics and STEM.
Reflecting on her accolades, Faustina expressed profound gratitude to her department, faculty, and family for their unwavering support. “These milestones would not have been possible without my family’s encouragement and my department’s belief in my potential. I am forever grateful to them. These awards have motivated me to work even harder to support all students and contribute meaningfully to the mathematics education community.”
As she continues to break barriers in mathematics education, Faustina Baah stands as a beacon of excellence, reshaping the narrative for women in STEM and setting a new standard for the next generation of scholars and educators.
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