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Dr. Richard Russo Memorial Scholarship for Science and Math Education

Richard Russo earned a Ph.D. in Archeoastronomy, combining his passions for astronomy and Mayan culture. He shared this passion with Ramapo students as an adjunct professor of astronomy, a position he held for 30 years. While teaching at Ramapo, Dr. Russo was a “very cool and funny” math and science teacher at Fieldstone Middle School in Montvale, N.J. After Dr. Russo retired from teaching in Montvale, he started a new adventure as the Director of Field Placement for Ramapo’s Teacher Education Program. In this role, Dr. Russo tirelessly advocated for Ramapo’s pre-service teachers, creating close working relationships with numerous school districts. His accessibility, dedication, and humor was legendary among students, faculty, and staff.

At his death in 2022, the faculty of Ramapo’s Teacher Education program created this scholarship to recognize outstanding Teacher Education students preparing for a career in Science or Math education.

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2025 Recipient

Astrid Flores Estrada

Astrid Flores Estrada of Fairview, N.J. is a Mathematics major with a concentration in Teacher Education with a 3.9 GPA. An accomplishment that Astrid is proud of is maintaining a high GPA as a first-generation student.

At Ramapo, she has been active in several organizations including Pi Mu Epsilon Mathematics Honor Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and L.E.A.D. In partnership with these organizations, she has participated in the N.J. Undergraduate Mathematics Competition, facilitated activities for one-to-one sessions with a matched mentee from an urban school, and volunteered at game nights for students with exceptionalities.

Astrid has also been involved in off-campus activities, including working as an instructor for Mathnasium – The Math Learning Center and as a teacher’s aide for Cliffside Park Public Schools Extended Year Program. In these roles, she gained valuable experience working one-on-one with students of varying abilities, helping them stay focused, master foundational concepts, and progress to more advanced levels.

As the first in her family to graduate, Astrid is excited to pursue her passion for math and her commitment to empowering students by becoming a high school math teacher.

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