Lesa Clarkson

Lesa Clarkson is a Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Minnesota. Her research focuses on mathematics education in urban classrooms, emphasizing social justice, equity, and strategies to reduce achievement gaps among underrepresented student groups, particularly African American students. She leads the community-engaged research program Prepare2Nspire, which provides tiered mathematics tutoring and mentoring to underserved urban K-12 students while supporting graduate students in community-based research.

• Degree: PhD in Mathematics Education from the University of Minnesota

Research Interests:

• Urban mathematics education reform
• Community-engaged research models
• Equity in STEM access
• Algebra education disparities
• Student confidence and achievement
• Postsecondary STEM pipeline

Scientific Awards:

• 2023 Outstanding Community Service Faculty Award, University of Minnesota
• President’s Community Engaged Scholar Award, 2018
• Advancing Black Intellectualism Award, 2022
• Inspiring Women in STEM Award, 2016
• Josie R. Johnson Human Rights and Social Justice Award, 2011

Advising Philosophy: Lesa fosters partnerships with advisees, encouraging participation in Prepare2Nspire for community research experience. Graduate students engage in teaching, manuscript preparation, conference presentations, and wellness planning. Her work is funded by grants from The Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation and 3M.