Iman Chahine

Assoc. Prof. Iman Chahine is a faculty member in the School of Education at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, specializing in ethnomathematics and culturally responsive pedagogy. Her work bridges global mathematical practices with contemporary education, emphasizing hands-on learning through cultural artifacts like origami, beadwork, and indigenous designs. She joined UML in 2018, introducing courses such as *Connecting Global and Local Issues in Education* and mentoring M.Ed. students in action research. Chahine’s research explores how diverse cultures develop mathematical systems, focusing on Zulu love letters, Warlpiri kinship structures, and Moroccan curriculum reforms. She advocates for integrating indigenous knowledge into STEM education to address cultural diversity in U.S. schools.

Chahine’s research interests span ethno-STEM, transcultural education, and curriculum design. She emphasizes embodied mathematics—where physical activities like weaving and pattern-making foster computational thinking. Recent projects include infusing indigenous knowledge systems into STEM disciplines and examining teacher experiences in work-integrated learning. Her work challenges Eurocentric views of mathematics, highlighting contributions from Arab, Chinese, and Indian cultures.

Her publications explore topics like mathematical modeling in cultural practices, the role of divination systems in modular arithmetic, and innovative curriculum approaches to close STEM career gaps. Chahine has contributed to global education initiatives, including Morocco’s curriculum review and South African teacher training programs. She also organizes international seminars on applied mathematics and education, fostering academic collaboration.