Luis Leyva
co-Principal Investigator, Research Lead
Biography
Luis Antonio Leyva is an associate professor of mathematics education and STEM higher education at Vanderbilt University - Peabody College of Education & Human Development. He earned a B.A. degree in mathematics as well as Ed.M. and Ph.D. degrees in mathematics education from Rutgers University. Leyva's research explores narratives of oppression, agency, and support among undergraduate STEM majors from historically marginalized populations. Findings from his research uncover how educational practices (including classroom teaching, student support, and curricular design) limit and expand leaning opportunities that affirm students' identities across intersections of race, gender, and sexuality. Leyva directs the Power, Resistance & Identity in STEM Education (PRISM) Research Lab at Vanderbilt University.
Leyva has received funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, National Science Foundation, and National Academy of Education/Spencer Foundation to support his research advancing racial and intersectional justice in undergraduate mathematics and STEM higher education more broadly. He has published his research across various top-tier journals, including the American Educational Research Journal, The Journal of Higher Education, and Journal for Research in Mathematics Education. Leyva's research, teaching, and service have been distinguished with several national awards, including the 2018 Early-Career Publication Award from the special interest group on Research in Mathematics Education in the American Educational Research Association, 2022 LGBTQ+ Educator of the Year from Out to Innovate, and 2023 Lavender Lecture honoree from Spectra, The Association for LGBTQ+ Mathematicians.