Dr. Carlson is professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Arizona State University. She received her Ph.D. in 1995 from the University of Kansas. Her first publication in collegiate mathematics education was Obstacles for college algebra students in understanding function: What do high performing students really know? in the AMATYC Review in 1997. Thus, she fits the qualification on the date of first publication in this field.

Dr. Carlson was nominated for the award by two colleagues, both of whom focused on her important research on the understanding of function and covariation and on mathematical problem solving, and on her role as a leader in establishing the field of research in collegiate mathematics education. She has 23 refereed or invited publications since 1997, in addition to a large number of other publications and presentations, primarily in these two areas.

Since 2003 Dr. Carlson has served as director of the Center for Research on Education in Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology at Arizona State University. She is currently the PI of Project Pathways, a $12.5 million NSF Math and Science Partnership project, and co-PI of a $4.5 million NSF Teacher Professional Continuum project. She has served as a PI or co-Pi for 13 additional projects, funded primarily by the National Science Foundation. Dr. Carlson led the development of the Ph.D. program in mathematics education in her department, and she has served (or is serving) as major advisor to ten Ph.D. students and on the committee of an additional ten students.

Dr. Carlson has been very active in SIGMAA RUME. She has served as president of RUME, as a senior research mentor for RUME, has chaired three committees for RUME, has presented an invited plenary address at a RUME conference, and has acted as a local host for a RUME conference. Some of her other professional work includes hosting, with Biodesign Institute and Consortium on Science, Policy, and Outcomes, an ASU-wide event for National Science Board members and Commission on 21st Century Education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; serving on the National Research Council Panel: The Disciplinary Content Panel on the Advanced Study of Mathematics and Science in U.S. High Schools; participating in the National Governors' Association's advisory discussions on issues in U.S. science and mathematics education; and serving on five NSF review panels. Dr. Carlson is outstanding in terms of the quality and impact of her work at the early career stage.

Biographical Note
Marilyn Carlson is professor of mathematics education in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at Arizona State University. She has a B.S. in mathematics, an M.S. in computer science and a Ph.D. in mathematics education. In 1998 she received the prestigious Early Career Award from the National Science Foundation and recently served as director of the Center for Research in Education in Science, Mathematics, Engineering and Technology (CRESMET) at ASU. She has directed first year mathematics at the University of Kansas and Arizona State University and has led the development of a Ph.D. and Master's program in mathematics education from which seven Ph.D. and 12 Master's students graduated under her advisement. Her research focuses on student thinking about central ideas of precalculus and beginning calculus, and the development of mathematical thinking. More recently, she has engaged in investigations of knowledge and practices for teaching mathematics. Carlson served as the coordinator for SIGMAA RUME, during which time she initiated and co-edited Making the Connection: Research and Practice in Undergraduate Mathematics Education. Carlson also led the development of the Precalculus Concept Assessment (PCA) instrument and has written curriculum for courses in precalculus and beginning calculus.

Response from Marilyn Carlson
I am highly honored to receive this prestigious award. I am also grateful to Annie Selden, John Selden and Ed Dubinsky for their leadership in building the field of undergraduate mathematics education research. I am also grateful for the mentorship of Uri Treisman and Josef Dorfmiester, two outstanding individuals, who generously shared their time and talents to co-advise my dissertation study and support my intellectual development at a critical point of my academic pursuits. I am also grateful to my parents, Paul and Clariece Carlson, who nurtured my curiosities and valued my educational pursuits, and to my children, Tim and Joni, for sharing my journey. I want to also acknowledge the work of many outstanding mathematicians for creating a collaborative environment for me, and my research colleagues at ASU. Thanks to Mike Oehrtman, my colleague and friend, who pushes my thinking daily. To my students who continue to teach me and to my intellectual sole mate, and now my companion, Pat Thompson, thank you for continuing with me on my intellectual journey.