Overtoun Jenda facts for kids

Overtoun Jenda is an American mathematician who was born in Malawi, a country in Africa. He is known for his work in mathematics and for helping students learn about science and math. In 2020, he received a special award called the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring. This award honors people who are great at teaching and guiding others in science, math, and engineering.

Currently, Professor Jenda teaches mathematics at Auburn University. He also helps with special projects there. In 2011, he started a program called the Masamu project. This project helps scientists and mathematicians from Southern Africa work together on research.

Education and Early Career

Overtoun Jenda loved learning about math from a young age. He earned his first degree, a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, from the University of Malawi. He did so well that he received it "with Distinction," which means he was one of the best students!

Later, he continued his studies in the United States. In 1981, he earned his PhD from the University of Kentucky. A PhD is the highest degree you can get in a subject, like being an expert. His main teacher for his PhD was Edgar Earle Enochs. For his PhD, Overtoun Jenda wrote a long paper called a dissertation, which was titled On Injective Resolvents.