Martha W. Alibali

Martha W. Alibali is a Professor in the Department of Psychology and Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She directs the Cognitive Development & Communication Lab (CD&C Lab), which focuses on the intersection of developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, and mathematics education. Her research investigates mathematics learning and development with a special emphasis on the role of gesture in mathematical thinking and knowledge change.

Her primary research interests include:

• The role of gesture in mathematical thinking and knowledge change
• Gesture in thinking and communication in educational settings
• Mathematics learning across developmental stages
• Embodied cognition and its implications for education

Dr. Alibali's recent publications showcase her continued focus on gesture studies, mathematical cognition, and educational interventions. Her work spans from theoretical investigations of cognitive processes to applied educational research, with particular attention to visual representations, multimodal learning, and embodied cognition. She frequently collaborates with researchers across psychology, education, and cognitive science.

Dr. Alibali has secured substantial funding from the National Science Foundation and Institute for Education Sciences for projects including intelligent tutoring systems for algebra, mathematical equivalence instruction, and visual representations in biology education. Her lab maintains an active research program with multiple graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and undergraduate assistants.

The CD&C Lab is committed to creating an inclusive research environment that values diversity of identities, backgrounds, and perspectives. The lab follows open science practices including pre-registration of studies and sharing research materials. Weekly lab meetings provide opportunities for all members to present their ongoing work and receive feedback.