In Memoriam: Mary Ann Horn, 1965-2024

Mary Ann Horn, professor of applied mathematics at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, passed away on February 7. She was 58 years old.

Dr. Horn was a scholar whose research interests focused on mathematical biology and establishing it as a recognized subdiscipline of the applied mathematics field in the United States. She joined the faculty of the Case Western Reserve University department of mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics in 2017 as professor and department chair, a position she held for three years. She previously served as a professor of mathematics at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee. For over 12 years, Dr. Horn was the founding director of the Division of Mathematical Sciences at the National Science Foundation. In this role, she oversaw the foundation’s mathematical biology program, which supports research on the intersection of applied mathematics and biological life sciences.

“I was always impressed by the breadth and depth of her knowledge in applied mathematics, her ease in leading discussions, and her overall warmth and humanity,” said Lisa Facui, professor of mathematics at Tulane University who collaborated with Dr. Horn at the National Science Foundation.

“Her studies have not only influenced the mathematical biology community but also made an impact on the related medical community,” said Shigui Ruan, professor of mathematics at the University of Miami and a former research partner of Dr. Horn.

Dr. Horn was a graduate of Pennsylvania State University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics. She received her master’s degree and Ph.D. in applied mathematics from the University of Virginia.