Maisie L. Gholson

Maisie L. Gholson is an Associate Professor in the Marsal Family School of Education at the University of Michigan. Her research centers on mathematics education through a Black feminist framework, examining how identity, race, gender, and social relationships shape learning opportunities and trajectories in mathematics. She holds a PhD in curriculum and instruction from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) and a BS in electrical engineering from Duke University.

Dr. Gholson’s methodological focus includes critical pedagogy and the sociocultural-historical analysis of Black children’s mathematical experiences. She investigates how racialized and gendered contexts influence identity development in mathematics, particularly for Black girls and women. Her work also explores how pre-service teachers navigate justice-oriented instruction, challenging systemic inequities.

Her recent articles highlight themes such as the intersection of race, gender, and identity in mathematics education, the role of social networks in shaping educational outcomes, and the need for curricular supports that affirm Black brilliance. She has been awarded prestigious fellowships, including the National Academy of Education/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship and NSF Graduate Research Fellowship in STEM Education.

Dr. Gholson leads grants focused on equity in mathematics education, including the CAREER: Black Youth Development and Curricular Supports for Robust Identities in Mathematics (2019–2025) and Mathematics Advising Program Exploratory Study (2021–2025). Her prior roles include high school mathematics teacher and patent writer in Houston, Texas.