Adam Castillo grew up in Austin, Texas, as a second-generation Mexican-American. He received his undergraduate degree in Mathematics from St. Edward’s University and his master’s degree in Applied Mathematics from The University of Texas at San Antonio. He was a 2009-2010 National Math Alliance Scholar before transitioning to mathematics education. Teaching as a graduate student in a master’s program and at a local community college had a substantial impact on his decision to pursue a doctoral degree in mathematics education as opposed to applied mathematics. Adam completed his Ph.D. in Mathematics Education at The University of Texas at Austin in August 2017 under the co-supervision of Jill Marshall and Uri Treisman. Serving as a graduate research assistant on NSF-supported projects and as a graduate teaching assistant for the UTeach STEM teacher preparation program helped him to better understand what it meant to understand, learn, and teach mathematics. Adam also worked as a graduate research assistant at the Charles A. Dana Center at UT-Austin where the goal was to ensure all students have equitable access to excellent mathematics and science education. His dissertation research focused on two-year college mathematics faculty perceptions and use of small-group learning. After completing his doctoral degree, Adam moved to Miami where he is currently a Visiting Postdoctoral Associate at Florida International University. Adam was named a Mathematical Association of America Project NExT Fellow in August 2018.

Adam is currently teaching introductory calculus courses and designing, implementing, and conducting research on a recently funded, NSF-supported calculus initiative that seeks to improve student outcomes in a normative calculus sequence. Adam's other research interests include understanding two-year college mathematics faculty perceptions and use of active learning techniques, improving student success in postsecondary mathematics, and ensuring that equitable access to high-quality mathematics education is available to all students, particularly those underserved, to help prepare them for success in college and future careers.

“Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to remember and acknowledge Hispanic and Latinx culture and history. It is also a time to share our roots and stories about who we are and how we are influenced by Hispanics and Latinxs. I am thankful for the effort of Lathisms for showcasing the contributions that Hispanics and Latinxs are making in mathematical sciences.”

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