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The MAA’s four core values—community, inclusivity, communication, and teaching and learning—clearly explain what’s important to us.  Named in honor of the donor establishing the award, the MAA Dr. Mohammad K. Azarian Scholar Award will be awarded annually to a person or persons who contribute to the advancement of mathematics through their exceptional problem-creating skills. This will recognize the creator(s) of the problems featured in MAA publications and journals like "Mathematics Magazine," "The American Mathematical Monthly," and "The College Mathematics Journal," as well as problems featured in the American Mathematics Competitions (AMC) and Putnam Competition. By spotlighting outstanding work in problem creation and expanding visibility to these problems, the award inspires mathematicians and educators, fostering a strong sense of community and championing excellence in mathematics.

  1. This award recognizes the work of the MAA Community through its publications and programs. No more than one award shall be made each year, although other recognition may be offered as “Honorable Mention.”
  2. The winner(s), selected by the Award Committee, will receive a monetary prize of 250. Individuals selected by the Award Committee who are not members of the MAA will receive a one-year membership and the remaining value of the award as a cash prize.
  3. Up to four Honorable Mentions will receive a monetary prize of $250. Individuals selected by the Award Committee who are not members of the MAA will receive a one-year membership and the remaining value of the award as a cash prize.

Past Winners

2025

Winner/s

Joseph DeVincentis, Thomas C. Occhipinti, and Daniel J. Velleman – The American Mathematical Monthly 12309 – Eliminating Tiles

Problem proposal:
Problems and Solutions. The American Mathematical Monthly, 129(3),
285–294. https://doi.org/10.1080/00029890.2022.2018241

Problem solution:
Problems and Solutions. The American Mathematical Monthly, 130(10),
952–962. https://doi.org/10.1080/00029890.2023.2252314

Honorable Mentions:

Gregory Dresden – Mathematics Magazine 2160 – Find the Area of the Checkboard Pattern

Problem proposal:
Problems and Solutions. (2022). Mathematics Magazine, 95(5), 573–582.
https://doi.org/10.1080/0025570X.2022.2126649

Problem solution:
Problems and Solutions. (2023). Mathematics Magazine, 96(5), 566–575.
https://doi.org/10.1080/0025570X.2023.2266959

Haoran Chen – The American Mathematical Monthly 12266 – Arbitrarily Disconnectable Polyominos

Problem proposal:
Problems and Solutions.The American Mathematical Monthly, 128(7),
658–666. https://doi.org/10.1080/00029890.2021.1930431 

Problem solution:
Problems and Solutions. The American Mathematical Monthly, 130(5),
485–494. https://doi.org/10.1080/00029890.2023.2178225

Carl Schildkraut, The 54th United States of America Mathematical Olympiad, Problem #2, 2025.