Chosen as a national 2025 Lathisms (Latinxs and Hispanics in the Mathematical Sciences) honoree, Lone Star College-CyFair’s Luis Molina will be featured in this year’s Lathisms Hispanic Heritage Month Calendar, showcasing individuals whose work has had a meaningful impact in the mathematical sciences and beyond.
“I am proud and honored to be selected as a Lathisms honoree. To be included among the mathematicians recognized by Lathisms is humbling and inspiring,” said Molina, who believes mathematics (the study of patterns and connections) helps make sense of the world and guide decision-making. “Education at its best inspires, showing students that mathematics is a powerful tool for understanding the world around them and shaping their decisions. I look forward to sharing this honor with my students, colleagues and everyone who has been part of my journey.”
During his 13 years at LSC-CyFair, a Hispanic-serving institution with a vibrant and diverse student body, Molina said he’s had the opportunity to connect with first-generation, Mexican American and historically underserved students. While his own journey in mathematics was shaped “by family, community and a deep belief in the power of education”, he’s not only teaching mathematics in his role as educator, but showing students they belong, and can excel, in higher education.
“I work to reduce math anxiety, build meaningful relationships, and design courses that reflect students’ cultures and lived experiences,” he said. “By showing how math applies to civic, economic and personal life, I aim to make it both relevant and empowering.”
This year Molina will be serving as an advisor for the new Mexican American Student Alliance (MASA) student organization with plans to host a Hispanic Heritage Month Film Festival and keynote speaker series. He is also teaching LSC-CyFair’s new Mathematics for Liberal Arts course with a focus on Mexican American culture, offered in hybrid format this fall and online in the spring.
“My future goal is to reimagine how we teach mathematics, moving away from the mindset of ‘that’s how I learned, so it must work,’ and toward a model that prioritizes connection, inclusion and relevance.”
To learn more about the research, teaching, mentoring and service contributions of Latinx and Hispanic mathematicians like Molina, go to Lathisms.org. For information on LSC-CyFair academic programs and cultural learning opportunities, go to LoneStar.edu/CyFair.