Cristina Villalobos ‘00, a graduate of Rice University’s Computational and Applied Mathematics and Operations Research (CMOR) program, has been elected president of the Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM)—a milestone achievement that reflects both her leadership in the mathematical community and her commitment to advancing opportunities for women in the field.
Founded to encourage women to study and pursue careers in the mathematical sciences, AWM is a nationally recognized organization that supports professional development, mentorship, and advocacy. Villalobos began serving as AWM president-elect on February 1 and is slated to serve as president during the 2027–2028 term.
For Villalobos, the appointment is both energizing and humbling. In sharing the news with colleagues and friends, she described the moment as “quite an exciting and yet daunting feeling,” expressing gratitude for the support and encouragement she has received from her community. She emphasized the importance of collective mentorship and collaboration as she prepares to step into this high-impact role.
Villalobos’s election highlights the influence Rice CMOR alumni continue to have across academia and professional organizations. Her work aligns closely with CMOR’s interdisciplinary mission—pairing rigorous mathematical training with leadership that broadens participation in STEM. By championing representation and fostering inclusive professional networks, she demonstrates how mathematical expertise can translate into meaningful institutional change.
As she prepares for the years ahead, Villalobos encourages her peers and supporters to stay engaged with AWM and to continue building a strong community for women in mathematics. Rice CMOR proudly celebrates Cristina Villalobos and looks forward to the impact she will make in shaping the future of the mathematical sciences.