Blain Mamiya

Blain Mamiya serves as Associate Professor of Instruction in the Department of Chemistry within the College of Sciences at the University of Texas at San Antonio. His academic focus centers on improving student success in STEM through evidence-based educational research and curriculum development.

Education Background:

• Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin
• M.S. in Organic Chemistry, University of Washington

Mamiya's research investigates critical factors affecting STEM student performance, including mathematics automaticity, motivation, learning strategies, sense of belonging, and impostor syndrome. His work demonstrates how mathematical proficiency correlates with chemistry success and develops interventions like the Math-Up Skills Test (MUST). He particularly examines challenges faced by underrepresented minorities, first-generation students, and women in STEM environments, creating strategies to enhance inclusion and academic outcomes.

Analysis of his publication record reveals a clear research evolution: recent work (2018-2024) focuses exclusively on chemical education and STEM pedagogy, while earlier publications (1995-2001) centered on medicinal chemistry and toxicology. Current studies emphasize diagnostic tools, curriculum alignment, and psychological factors in student success, published in leading science education journals.

Mamiya teaches foundational chemistry courses including Basic Chemistry (CHE 1073), Organic Chemistry I Laboratory (CHE 2612), and Chemistry Communication (CHE 3973). He leads the Mamiya Laboratory, which develops and tests educational interventions to address STEM student challenges through rigorous assessment of learning strategies, motivation, and belonging. The lab's research directly informs classroom practices and institutional support systems for at-risk student populations.