News & Events

Dr. Cynthia Nicol reappointed as the David F. Robitaille Professor of Mathematics and Science Education

By Paula Sabti

June 15, 2021

Congratulations to Dr. Cynthia Nicol on her reappointment as the David F. Robitaille Professor of Mathematics and Science Education for a three-year term beginning September 1, 2021

Endowed in 2000, the David F. Robitaille Professorship in Mathematics and Science Education was established to support Faculty initiatives focusing on the application of technology in the teaching and learning of mathematics, science and technology education, and to serve as the catalyst for initiating, promoting and supporting programs and research that enhance science, mathematics and technology skills at elementary and secondary levels or enhance teacher skills in those areas.

Dr. Nicol, Associate Professor, Department of Curriculum and Pedagogy, UBC Faculty of Education, lived and taught on Haida Gwaii in the Pacific Northcoast before moving to Vancouver to pursue her doctoral studies. Collaborating with educators and communities, she explores new ways of making mathematics responsive to all learners by connecting math, community and culture, emphasizing place and community-based education, and exploring social justice issues through mathematics.

Over the past four years, Dr. Nicol has worked to develop a living model of culturally responsive mathematics education based on intersecting theories of culturally responsive pedagogies, place-based pedagogies, Indigenous epistemologies and critical mathematics education. She has also supported and successfully collaborated with numerous participants in the David Robitaille International STEM Network, which includes many of her EDCP colleagues, on a variety of issues.

Her current projects focus on ways to support educators interested in more culturally responsive teaching practices, including Indigenous practices. Dr. Nicol’s collaborations with educators, school administrators, Elders, and community members on Haida Gwaii, has led to:

  • the development of a locally, nationally and internationally recognized model for place-based mathematics education
  • a book, Living Culturally Responsive Mathematics Education with/in Indigenous Communities
  • an online land-enhanced mathematics methods course for UBC Indigenous teacher education students
  • an online UBC mathematics education graduate program designed to reach potential students in rural and Indigenous communities

Visit Dr. Nicol’s profile to learn more about her work, research and publications.

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