Rund Abu-Ashour Selected in Speech-writing Competition Open to NSM’s Summa Cum Laude Graduates

Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree candidates participated in the University of Houston Commencement for College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM) on the morning of December 14. The ceremony was held at Fertitta Center.

More than 650 NSM students completed degree requirements in summer and fall 2024. In all, 61 doctoral candidates earned degreesEighty-nine students were candidates for master’s degrees, and 513 students were candidates for bachelor’s degrees.

Commencement Student Speaker – Rund Abu-Ashour

Rund Abu-Ashour, receiving a bachelor of science in mathematics and graduating through NSM’s teachHOUSTON program, spoke at the ceremony on behalf of all the students. She was selected through a speech-writing competition open to NSM’s summa cum laude graduates.

In her speech, she reminded the graduates that learning doesn’t just happen in lecture halls. “It happens in laboratories, in every conversation, every late-night brainstorming session, and every challenge that pushes you beyond your comfort zone.” She also encouraged the graduates to become mentors – “to guide others who are beginning their own unique journeys.”

While at UH, she was a math tutor for UH Athletics, mentored other teachHOUSTON students, was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, received numerous scholarships, and did research through UH’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, working with Professor William Ott in the math department. That research, using mathematical modeling to model the glucose-insulin system, opened her eyes to how math can play a significant role in health and medicine.

She credits her research and teaching experiences as having a profound impact on her career plans.

“All of those experiences really came together and solidified my passion for teaching and for pursuing higher education in math,” Abu-Ashour said.

Looking back at her choice to come to UH, Abu-Ashour identified her love for the diversity and culture on campus. “I feel like regardless of where you come from, you will find your people here. UH expanded my social circle,” she said.

In the spring, she will begin teaching at Paetow High School in the Katy Independent School District and plans to pursue a master’s degree in mathematics in the future.

- Kathy Major, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics