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HomeEducationHopkinsville Community College alumna Ashley Lesher wins National Math Award

Hopkinsville Community College alumna Ashley Lesher wins National Math Award

Hopkinsville Community CollegeHopkinsville, KY – Hopkinsville Community College (HCC) Alumna Ashley Lesher was recently named the 1st place winner in the nation for the Student Research League competition held by The American Mathematical Association of Two Year Colleges (AMATYC). Over 40 teams participated in the nationwide competition.

Ashley received a $3,000 prize for her 1st place award.  According to HCC Math Professor Pat Riley, she was the only regional finalist who worked solo. Most of the other entrants were in groups of 2 to 3. 

Hopkinsville Community College alumna Ashley Lesher
Hopkinsville Community College alumna Ashley Lesher

Ashley graduated from Hopkinsville Community College with an associate in science (AS) degree this past summer.  She entered the AMATYC Student Research League competition in the spring while she was still a community college student.

The national competition consisted of a 14-page paper regarding renewable energy for a building or structure. The challenge included a practical application math problem, which involved researching materials, methods, processes and more related to the solution of the problem.  Student competitors are asked to contact professionals in fields related to the problem for advice on the solution, in addition to career opportunities within their fields. 

Ashley used her own home as the project structure and utilized formulas and applications from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) for research. She was also mentored by HCC Math Professor Arthur Schultz. 

“Strangely, the home that I based the project on burned down only a few weeks after I submitted it,” explained Lesher. “HCC and Professor Riley helped me a lot during that time. The college gave me assistance through the Student Emergency Fund so that I could get back on my feet,” she continued.

Ashley is currently working towards a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering at Austin Peay State University (APSU).  She is planning to continue to earn a master’s in either Manufacturing or Electrical Engineering.  Ashley is a Veteran and has three children.

About Hopkinsville Community College

For many Pennyrile Kentucky region and Fort Campbell residents, higher education begins at Hopkinsville Community College (HCC).  The college serves thousands of area residents each year as a comprehensive regional learning center providing academic and technical associate degrees; diploma and certificate programs in occupational fields; prebaccalaureate education; adult, continuing and developmental education; customized training for business and industry; and distance learning.

As part of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, HCC is a critical component to transforming the region’s economy by providing citizens with the education and training needed for high growth, high wage careers.

For more information, visit Hopkinsville.kctcs.edu

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