Jessica Deshler

Jessica Deshler is a Professor and Director of the School of Mathematical and Data Sciences at West Virginia University (WVU). She is affiliated with the Department of Mathematics and holds leadership roles in academic administration and educational innovation. Her work spans research, teaching, and service with a focus on undergraduate mathematics education.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Mathematics, University of New Mexico
• M.S. in Mathematics, University of New Mexico
• B.S. in Mathematics, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Research Interests:
Jessica Deshler's research centers on undergraduate mathematics education, with key interests in graduate student professional development, equity in mathematics, and support systems for students and academics. Her work investigates the affective states of developmental mathematics students, peer mentoring, and the implementation of active learning and equity-focused interventions in calculus and STEM classrooms. She has contributed significantly to the development and validation of the Mathematics Graduate Student Instructor Observation Protocol (GSIOP), a tool designed to improve teaching practices through formative feedback.

Publication Trends:
Her recent publications (2019–2023) reflect a strong focus on teaching practices, student affect, equity in STEM, and professional development for instructors. She frequently publishes in top journals such as International Journal of Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education, Journal of Mathematics Teacher Education, and Physical Review Physics Education Research. Her work often involves collaborative research and applies theoretical frameworks like Social Cognitive Theory and instructional design principles from the MAA.

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• U.S. Fulbright Scholar (Budapest, Hungary, 2016)
• Graduate of Linton-Poodry SACNAS Leadership Institute

Professional Service and Leadership:
Deshler has served in multiple leadership capacities, including 6 years on the MAA Committee on Professional Development, Associate Editor for MAA Focus, and contributing author to the MAA Instructional Practices Guide. At WVU, she has been a Faculty Associate for the Center for Women’s & Gender Studies and the Teaching & Learning Commons, Provost’s Fellow, and Eberly College Assistant Dean for Graduate Studies. She also served as Dean of Students for the West Virginia Governor’s STEM Institute (2018–2022), demonstrating her commitment to K–12 STEM outreach and equity.

Labs, Teams, and Programs:
She leads or contributes to several initiatives including the Emerging Scholars Program, peer-mentoring programs in developmental mathematics, and collaborative research on GSI professional development. Her work often involves interdisciplinary teams and funded projects from the NSF, MAA, and state education agencies.