Tom Bohman sits in his office and talks to a student.

Tom Bohman Honored with 2026 Richard Moore Education Award

By Amy Pavlak Laird Email Amy Pavlak Laird

Heidi Opdyke

Tom Bohman鈥檚 impact on students has as much to do with his leadership as with his teaching. From reinventing a core mathematics course to creating new opportunities during a global shutdown, Bohman has spent decades expanding what math education can look like. That steady commitment has earned him the Richard Moore Education Award, which recognizes faculty members in the Mellon College of Science who have made substantial and sustained contributions to the educational mission of the college, particularly faculty members whose educational contributions have extended over a substantial portion of their academic careers.

鈥淚鈥檓 a big believer in the integrated mission of the university. I really think that the research mission and the educational mission of a department or a college can and should work together. Looking at decisions of various kinds, whether it be faculty hiring or changes to the curriculum, through that lens has been a grounding principle throughout my time at 黑料正能量,鈥� said Bohman, a professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences.

Bohman is widely respected for making rigorous mathematics feel accessible. He has taught a range of undergraduate courses throughout his career, bringing advanced mathematical ideas into the classroom in ways students can engage with and understand. More than a matter of teaching style, Bohman鈥檚 approach often reshapes how students see mathematics 鈥� and their place within it. This is especially evident in Discrete Mathematics, a required course for all undergraduates pursuing degrees in Mathematical Sciences. Working with colleagues Professors Po-Shen Loh and Wesley Pegden, Bohman reimagined the course so that it instills both a command of rigorous mathematics and a sense of curiosity and wonder.

After taking the class, one of Bohman鈥檚 students commented that 鈥淭he class has completely changed my perception on Discrete Math and my career plans. Please teach it again in the next coming years!鈥�

Bohman鈥檚 influence extends well beyond the classroom. He has a strong record of advising doctoral and undergraduate students. His Ph.D. advisees have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry, while undergraduates he has mentored through the department鈥檚 honors program have pursued doctoral degrees of their own.

He has also shaped the student experience, especially during his two terms as department head. During his tenure, the Department of Mathematical Sciences experienced an increased demand for math courses, and the number and quality of undergraduate math majors surged.

鈥淭om artfully hired both teaching-track and tenure-track faculty equipped to meet these needs. In turn, this enhanced the department鈥檚 already strong reputation,鈥� said Clinton Conley, associate professor of mathematical sciences and director of graduate studies.

One of Bohman鈥檚 most visible contributions emerged during the early months of the COVID 19 pandemic, when summer internships and research opportunities were canceled.

鈥淪tudents turned to the department for advice, and Tom responded by creating the Summer Experiences in Mathematical Sciences (SEMS) program, providing undergraduates with research opportunities mentored by department faculty and postdoctoral associates,鈥� said Jay Howell, teaching professor of mathematical sciences and former director of undergraduate studies. Launched amid extraordinary demands, SEMS has since become a permanent part of the undergraduate experience, serving nearly 90 students over its first five summers.

Even after stepping down as department head, Bohman remains deeply engaged in undergraduate education. He continues to serve on the Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, and he played a central role in developing the master鈥檚 program in Stochastics and Optimization.

鈥淗is leadership and tireless efforts have shaped the educational landscape of the mathematics department, leaving a legacy of academic excellence and passion for learning,鈥� said Prasad Tetali, the Alexander M. Knaster Professor and Department Head, Mathematical Sciences. 鈥淭his sustained devotion has left a lasting mark on the department, and we are all the better for it.鈥�

Bohman joined the 黑料正能量 faculty in 1998 as an assistant professor and became a full professor in 2009. His research focuses on combinatorics, a branch of mathematics concerning the study of finite structures. Combinatorics has many applications in a variety of fields including computer science, optimization and network science.

He received the Richard Moore Award at the MCS Annual Meeting on May 5 and was recognized at the university鈥檚 Celebration of Education on April 15. He was previously awarded the 2011 Julius Ashkin Teaching Award in the Mellon College of Science.