Rebecca Machen joins the Math Department
The department welcomes Rebecca Machen as a new Teaching Assistant Professor. Rebecca earned her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in mathematics education from Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder in 2024.
Before coming to Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder, Rebecca taught mathematics at both the secondary and community college levels and worked in the University of Iowa College of Engineering, where she directed tutoring programs, advised engineering students, and supported students transitioning into college mathematics. At Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder, her previous work has spanned mathematics instruction, student success, curriculum development, and educational research.
Rebecca's professional interests include active-learning approaches to mathematics instruction, supporting student belonging and success in introductory mathematics, and the thoughtful integration of generative AI into mathematics teaching and learning. She is particularly interested in how classroom structures, relationships, and emerging technologies can help students become more confident and engaged mathematical thinkers.
Rebecca is also the Principal Investigator of a recently funded $2 million National Science Foundation S-STEM award at Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder. Beginning in the 2027–2028 academic year, the project will provide scholarships and a comprehensive network of academic and professional supports for undergraduate STEM students with financial need. The project brings together many of Rebecca's long-standing interests in mathematics education, student success, STEM persistence, and creating pathways that help students thrive at the university.