Walking by faith and numbers: Fernandes named Top Scholar for Class of 2025

When Tristin Fernandes walked across the stage at Central State University’s 2025 Commencement, he carried with him more than a perfect 4.0 GPA and a double major in mathematics and computer science — he carried a quiet, unwavering faith and the story of a personal transformation that defined his journey. 

Fernandes, a Wilberforce native, didn’t just grow up next to Central State — he grew into himself here. From earning the Marauder Choose Ohio First Scholarship and interning with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) to finding lifelong mentors and discovering his Christian faith, his time at Central State has been nothing short of transformative. 

His CSU story began while he was still in high school, taking College Credit Plus courses on campus. At the same time, he interned with Dr. Arunasalam Rahunanthan, known as Dr. Rahu, Interim Dean of the John W. Garland College of Engineering, Science, Technology, and Agriculture, on fluid dynamics research.  

The work culminated in a presentation at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research. Those experiences not only confirmed his academic direction — they solidified his decision to stay. 

“Being named Top Scholar is no small task,” Fernandes said, “but it was never just about grades."

"It’s about the path I’ve walked — both academically and spiritually.” 

Fernandes credits his father, Shane, a 2014 CSU alumnus with the same dual major, as an early motivator. “He definitely wouldn’t be happy if I came home with anything less than an A,” he said with a smile. But as his studies deepened, especially in the rigorous terrains of abstract math and theoretical computer science, Fernandes realized his drive came from somewhere deeper. 

“God has been my greatest motivation,” he said. “Even when I didn’t know Him during my first two years here, He was there, guiding me.” 

It’s a faith that meshes seamlessly with his field of study. Mathematics is more than formulas and logic — it’s a language that reveals the order and beauty of creation. “Some things just aren’t possible with human strength,” he said. “But if you’re going down the path He wants, He can make the impossible happen.” 

Throughout his time at CSU, Fernandes built relationships that nurtured both his intellect and his spirit. Faculty mentors like Drs. Rahu and Bhupendra Paudyal, Associate Professor of Mathematics, opened doors to research. They helped him develop the analytical skills that landed him internships at AFRL's Autonomy Capability Team (ACT3) and the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), where he now works and will soon begin graduate studies. His research into prime numbers and fluid dynamics with Dr. Paudyal has set him on a path toward a future in federal or private research.

But some of his most meaningful conversations took place far from the lab. A philosophy honors project on the problem of evil, in collaboration with philosophy Professor Dr. Patrick Anderson, pushed Fernandes to grapple with life’s deepest questions. “At the time, I wasn’t a Christian,” he recalled. “Now, I see that project through a completely different lens. It was part of the journey.” 

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Peers like brothers Aisayah ’25 and Amonie Akens ’24, along with longtime friend Elijah Funk of Xenia, helped Fernandes find his footing socially and spiritually. “I was more of a (loner) at first,” he said. “But God brought people into my life who lifted me up. You need that strong social support — people to walk the journey with you.” 

His advice to future scholars? “Don’t make excuses. Get it done, even if it looks impossible,” he said. “And don’t underestimate the value of community. You’re not meant to do this alone.” 

Fernandes’s story reflects Central State’s values of academic excellence, personal transformation, and the power of purpose-driven education. It’s a reminder that at CSU, greatness is nurtured not just in classrooms, but in conversations, relationships, and moments of still, unshakable faith. 

As he prepares to continue his journey at AFIT and beyond, Fernandes remains rooted in the values that shaped him. “I don’t know exactly what the future holds,” he said. “But I know who’s guiding me.”