Each year, the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) celebrates exceptional educators who are making a lasting impact on mathematics education through the Henry L. Alder Award. We are pleased to present the distinguished recipients of the 2026 award: Alexander Barrios, Claudio Gómez-Gonzáles, and Hwayeon Ryu.
The Henry L. Alder Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Beginning College or University Mathematics Faculty Member recognizes early-career faculty who demonstrate outstanding teaching effectiveness and whose contributions to undergraduate mathematics education reach well beyond their own institutions.
Dr. Alexander Barrios, University of St. Thomas
Dr. Alexander Barrios is recognized for his compassionate and innovative approach to teaching, which humanizes mathematics and empowers students to see themselves as capable contributors to the discipline.
Drawing on a rehumanization framework, Dr. Barrios situates mathematics within historical narratives that help students connect with the subject and develop confidence in their own abilities.
His classrooms are collaborative spaces where students are encouraged to embrace productive struggle, share their perspectives, and feel supported as individuals.
Dr. Barrios extends his impact through leadership in the Pomona Research in Mathematics Experience (PRIME), mentoring undergraduate students in research, and supporting their pathways to graduate study.
He is also committed to expanding access to the mathematical community through mentorship and departmental initiatives that support student success.
Through his dedication to equitable teaching, mentorship, and community building, Dr. Barrios is a most deserving recipient of the 2026 Henry L. Alder Award.
Claudio Gómez-Gonzáles, Carleton College
Dr. Claudio Gómez-Gonzáles is recognized for their outstanding teaching and mentorship, inspiring students to see mathematics as a creative discipline full of beauty and discovery.
Their courses integrate culture, history, and identity, helping students understand how mathematics connects to broader human experiences while fostering curiosity, persistence, and a sense of belonging.
In the classroom, Dr. Gómez-Gonzáles cultivates a collaborative and supportive environment. According to one of their students, “Alongside the study of the human and social forces that shape mathematical practice, I found that my humanity was fully acknowledged and celebrated in Claudio’s classes.”
Their dedication to inclusivity is especially evident in initiatives like the Integration-BIPOC affinity group, which provides mentorship, community-building, and support for underrepresented students in mathematics.
Students under their guidance have earned REU placements, graduate school admissions, and national fellowships.
Beyond Carleton College, Dr. Gómez-Gonzáles contributes to the broader mathematical community through presentations at national institutes and leadership on the MAA FOCUS editorial board.
Dr. Hwayeon Ryu, Elon University
Dr. Hwayeon Ryu is recognized for her outstanding teaching, research mentorship, and dedication to student development, which together foster a rigorous, inclusive, and deeply human approach to mathematics.
At Elon University, Dr. Ryu has created courses that make advanced concepts accessible while connecting mathematics to real-world applications across disciplines. Her materials, thoughtfully designed and freely shared, have been adopted widely by colleagues.
By emphasizing growth mindset and cultivating resilience, she creates collaborative classroom environments where students build confidence and develop a lasting appreciation for mathematics.
Beyond the classroom, Dr. Ryu has guided nearly 40 undergraduates in research, resulting in national presentations, prestigious scholarships, awards, and publications. She also mentors students in leadership, including organizing a regional Integrating Research in Science conference, providing hands-on experience in professional development, and community building.
Through her teaching, mentorship, and commitment to fostering student success, Dr. Ryu exemplifies excellence in mathematics education.
The MAA is proud to recognize Alexander Barrios, Claudio Gómez-Gonzáles, and Hwayeon Ryu as the 2026 recipients of the Henry L. Alder Award for Distinguished Teaching by a Beginning College or University Mathematics Faculty Member.
Learn 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.