Vladislav Kokushkin

Vladislav Kokushkin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mathematics & Statistics at James Madison University since 2024. His research focuses on undergraduate mathematics education (RUME), particularly applying cognitive psychology principles to enhance high-level mathematical reasoning. He studies cognitive challenges students face in proving activities and develops strategies to navigate these obstacles effectively.

• PhD in Mathematics from Virginia Tech (2022)
• Specialist (M.S.) in Mathematics from Lomonosov Moscow State University (2014)

His research interests include gestures' role in proofs comprehension, epistemological obstacles in proofs courses, and the application of design-based research for curriculum development. He explores how students conceptualize logical implications and mathematical metaphors, emphasizing cognitive load reduction through visual and gestural strategies.

Recent work highlights trends in embodied cognition approaches to mathematics education, including gestural offloading of cognitive demands and metaphor-based assessment techniques. His articles address structural issues in mathematical induction pedagogy and fractional task management through spatial representations.

Dr. Kokushkin has contributed to proceedings of the Annual Conference on Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education and publishes in leading journals like the International Journal of Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education. His work bridges cognitive science and educational practice to improve student success in abstract mathematical domains.