Maria Manuel Nascimento

Maria M. Nascimento is an Assistant Professor in the Mathematics Department at the University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD) in Portugal. She has been with UTAD since 1985, initially as a Mathematics Assistant until 1999, and then as an Assistant Professor. She is also a research member of the Research Centre Didactics and Technology in the Education of Trainers (CIDTFF) at the University of Aveiro since December 2013.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD in Mathematics from UTAD (1999)
• Degree in Forestry Engineering from Instituto Superior de Agronomia (1985)

Maria M. Nascimento's research focuses on the didactics of mathematics and statistics education. Her work explores innovative teaching methods for mathematics in engineering degrees and early education levels. She has made significant contributions to the field of ethnomathematics, examining how cultural contexts influence mathematical understanding. Her research also emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills through mathematics education, with particular attention to statistical literacy and problem-solving approaches. She is a founding member of UTAD's critical thinking group, webPACT, established in 2013.

Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on integrating critical thinking into mathematics education across various contexts. She has examined statistical reasoning through real-world applications like sustainable development goals, analyzed algebraic thinking in different educational settings, and developed innovative assessment methods including concept mapping. Her work often addresses the challenges of teaching mathematics in engineering contexts and explores how digital tools can enhance mathematical understanding.

Maria M. Nascimento has secured significant research funding, including the A-MoVeR project funded by the European Commission (2022-2025) focused on intelligent mobility systems, and the PROMOTING RESEARCH AND INNOVATION ENVIRONMENT IN THE LIBYAN HIGHER EDUCATION SYSTEM project funded by Erasmus Plus (2020-2022). She has conducted extensive peer review activities across multiple disciplines, with particular emphasis on mathematics education journals.