Dear Friends of UF Mathematics,
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the relaunch of Little by Little, the University of Florida Department of Mathematics’ newsletter. Now in a refreshed, web-based format, Little by Little continues its mission of celebrating the people and accomplishments that make our department thrive.
Since stepping into the role of chair in Fall 2024, I have had the honor of building on the strong foundation laid by my predecessors, most recently Professors Doug Cenzer and Kevin Knudson. Over the past year, we have welcomed new faculty, celebrated promotions and awards and secured major research and education grants. Across the board, our faculty continue to lead in their fields and innovate in the classroom, advancing our mission in research, teaching and service. None of this would be possible without the dedication and professionalism of our exceptional staff, who provide vital support for all aspects of departmental life.
Our students have also distinguished themselves in every dimension — from receiving university-wide honors and national scholarships to authoring research papers and mentoring their peers. Their achievements reflect the strength of our programs and the supportive community that surrounds them.
In this 2024-25 issue, you’ll find highlights from the past academic year, visits from leading scholars and tributes to cherished colleagues who have helped shape the department’s legacy. While we’re embracing new ways to share our story, we remain grounded in the values that have defined UF mathematics for generations.
I hope you enjoy this issue and feel proud to be part of the Gator Math community. Thank you for your continued support — and welcome back to Little by Little.
Go Gators!
Best regards,
Libin Rong
Professor and Chair