Bárbara M. Brizuela

Bárbara M. Brizuela is the Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences and a Professor in the Department of Education at Tufts University. She holds an EdD from Harvard University (2001), MA from Tufts University (1996), and two Licenciada degrees from Universidad de Belgrano, Argentina (1993). Her research focuses on children's learning of elementary mathematics, particularly early algebra and notational systems, as well as teacher professional development. She has been a Spencer Foundation research grantee since 1998.

Her education includes teaching experiences in Argentina (kindergarten and seventh grade) and extensive academic leadership roles, including interim Dean and Graduate School Dean at Tufts. Research interests span mathematics education, early childhood education, and cognitive development, emphasizing understanding children's reasoning processes.

Notable awards include the Spencer Foundation grant. Recent articles (2021–2025) explore algebraic thinking in young children, functional generalization, and mathematical authority in classrooms. Grants include NSF-funded projects on early algebra and nutritional data science education. She teaches doctoral courses and supervises research in STEM education.

Led initiatives like the Urban Mathematics and Science Teacher Collaborative. Active in professional organizations, including AERA and PME, with global speaking engagements in Argentina, Spain, Brazil, and Colombia.