Percival Matthews

Percival Matthews is an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and serves as Associate Dean in the School of Education. His research focuses on mathematical cognition, particularly how people learn about fractions, ratios, and algebraic concepts, aiming to translate findings into effective pedagogical strategies. He holds a PhD in Psychology from Vanderbilt University (2010), an MA in Political Theory from the University of Chicago (2001), and a BA in Physics from Harvard University (1997).

Key research areas include the nonsymbolic ratio processing system, the development of fraction understanding, and the role of the equals sign in algebraic readiness. His work combines behavioral experiments, neuroimaging (e.g., fMRI studies of fraction processing), and educational interventions. Matthews leads the Math Education Learning & Development (MELD) Lab, which investigates cognitive foundations of mathematical competence and their application to K-12 education.

His awards include the Impact 2030 Faculty Fellowship (2020), NIH Loan Repayment Award (2017, 2020), and McDonnell Foundation's Understanding Human Cognition Scholar award (2018). He has secured grants from the NSF and NIH to study fraction cognition, including projects on nonsymbolic ratio perception and neural correlates of mathematical learning. Matthews collaborates with institutions like the EdNeuroLab and has mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in educational psychology and cognitive science.