Deborah Kent, associate professor of mathematics, won a state award for innovation in STEM education.

The Technology Association of Iowa named Kent the recipient of a 2017 Women of Innovation Award in the category of Academic Innovation and Leadership during a ceremony on November 13.

She had been named one of five finalists in October, alongside educators from the Waukee, Des Moines, and Carroll public school districts, the University of Northern Iowa, and the Science Center of Iowa and Blank IMAX Dome Theater.

The award also recognizes Kent’s national reputation for excellence in mathematics writing, and her emphasis on teaching students effectively to communicate technical information.

Kent is the founding faculty advisor for Women in Mathematics and Computer Science (WiMaCS), a Drake student group organized to unite, engage, educate, and empower women interested in mathematics and computer science.

Read the news release to learn more.