The Mathematical Association of America is pleased to recognize Gregory Dresden, Haoran Chan, and Carl Schildkraut as honorable mentions for 2025 Mohammad K. Azarian Award.
Mohammad K. Azarian Award
The Mohammad K. Azarian Award seeks to recognize individuals who contribute to the advancement of mathematics through their exceptional ability to craft innovative problems featured in MAA publications and the robust world of the American Mathematics Competitions (AMC).
About This Year’s Recipients
Gregory Dresden - The 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
Gregory Dresden’s submission invites exploration of an infinite geometric pattern where simple shapes combine to reveal an unexpectedly elegant outcome.
Gregory Dresden’s problem is a beautiful geometry puzzle inspired by an infinite checkerboard that looks a bit like the opening scene from Star Wars. The shapes stretch off into the distance, and while each one is pretty simple on its own, adding up the total area leads to a surprisingly neat answer.
After receiving this recognition, Dresden said: “I’m overjoyed to receive this award! Writing and solving math problems is a great entryway to learning about more serious mathematics, and I’m delighted that the new Azarian Award will recognize this type of contribution to the world of mathematics.”
Haoran Chen - 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
Haoran Chen’s problem explores the intriguing behavior of shapes formed by joining squares, focusing on how removing certain parts can affect the overall structure in surprising ways.
Haoran Chen’s problem starts with a simple idea: a shape made of squares that’s so fragile, removing just one small piece always breaks it into several parts. It’s a neat concept that calls for creativity and careful thought, making the problem both tricky and satisfying to solve.
Chen expressed his gratitude for this recognition: “I am deeply honored and grateful to receive an Honorable Mention for the MAA’s Azarian Award. This recognition holds great significance for me. For years, I have aspired to create original, engaging, and challenging mathematical problems, and now, this aspiration has not only been realized but also acknowledged by the committee.”
Carl Schildkraut, The 54th United States of America Mathematical Olympiad, Problem #2, 2025.
Carl Schildkraut’s problem blends algebra and combinatorics to investigate surprising restrictions on certain polynomials. It reveals unexpected connections that require creative reasoning to uncover.
Schildkraut’s problem looks at a special polynomial with real numbers and no repeated roots. It shows that if certain smaller parts of the polynomial meet a simple condition, then the polynomial has to have at least one root that isn’t real. The problem is straightforward but clever, with a surprising and satisfying answer.
Upon receiving this recognition, Schildkraut expressed his gratitude: “I am delighted to receive an honorable mention for the Azarian Award. It’s immensely gratifying to have my work in problem-writing recognized in such a way.”