The Mathematical Association of America is excited to announce that Ne’Kiya Jackson and Calcea Johnson have been awarded the 2025 Merten M. Hasse Prize.

The Merten M. Hasse Prize

Established in 1986 through a gift from an anonymous donor, the Merten M. Hasse Prize recognizes outstanding expository writing published in an MAA journal and authored, at least in part, by a younger mathematician. The prize honors Merten M. Hasse, a dedicated and inspiring teacher who deeply influenced the donor. It aims to encourage early-career mathematicians to contribute to the essential work of clear and engaging mathematical communication.

About This Year’s Recipients

Ne’Kiya Jackson and Calcea Johnson are honored for their exceptional article, “Five or Ten New Proofs of the Pythagorean Theorem.” In this work, they achieve what many would consider improbable: using right-triangle trigonometry to construct new proofs of the Pythagorean theorem.

The article is distinguished not only by its mathematical insight but also by its clarity and structure, offering readers a carefully guided journey through each argument. Jackson and Johnson also share their personal research experience from early exploration to presenting and publishing their findings, at a time when they were uncertain how their work would be received. This narrative adds a human and inspiring dimension to their contribution.

Their accomplishments are a testament to the power of curiosity, perseverance, and fresh perspective, reminding us that meaningful advances in mathematics can come at any stage of one’s journey.

Learn more about the award and submit a nomination. 

About MAA 

The Mathematical Association of America is the world’s largest community of mathematicians, students, and enthusiasts. We accelerate our understanding of our world through mathematics because mathematics drives society and shapes our lives. Learn more at maa.org.