Evelyn Pohle's journey exemplifies her unwavering commitment to advancing equity in education, beginning as a STEM-NET Edison Student Research Scholarship recipient in 2021 and evolving into a role as a published researcher and educator abroad. Her undergraduate experience at California State University, Fullerton, was transformative, marked by a significant math education research project culminating in a presentation at the STEM-NET Edison Student Research Symposium. Following her graduation with a BS in Mathematics and math credentials, Evelyn's quest for educational impact took her to Madrid, where she teaches English while continuing her research endeavors.
She recently authored, alongside her colleagues, a paper titled "An Investigation of How Humans Are Portrayed in High School Mathematics Textbooks," featured in the winter 2024 edition of Teaching for Excellence and Equity in Mathematics (Volume 15). This work highlights the essential need for diversity, equity, and inclusion within educational resources. Her research journey was marked by a series of challenges, including the rigorous data collection and analysis process. Under the mentorship of a dedicated CSU faculty member, Alison Marzocchi, an Associate Professor within the Department of Mathematics at California State University, Fullerton, Evelyn navigated these obstacles, leveraging the support and guidance provided to refine her research and achieve publication. Her mentor's expertise not only aided in overcoming methodological challenges but also inspired Evelyn to pursue excellence in her work, highlighting the critical role of faculty support in undergraduate research endeavors. Evelyn's research critically analyzes the representation of humans in high school mathematics textbooks. It highlights the lack of diversity and its implications for fostering an inclusive classroom environment. This seminal work provides actionable recommendations for educators to enhance inclusivity in teaching materials, thereby supporting a diverse representation in STEM fields.
Evelyn currently lives in Madrid, Spain, to teach English as a language assistant at a bilingual school through the CIEE Teach Abroad Program. She will be there till June 2024. Evelyn plans to return to the United States to pursue a career as a high school mathematics teacher, and she is determined to implement her research findings in her teaching practices. By integrating diverse names, genders, and STEM career paths into classroom materials, Evelyn aims to create a more inclusive and engaging learning environment for all students.
Looking ahead, Evelyn is considering furthering her education with a master's program in math education. She plans to apply to a Ph.D. program to continue her education research, focusing on diversity and equity within STEM fields. This ambition reflects her deep-seated belief in the transformative power of education and research to challenge and change existing narratives around diversity in STEM. Through her dedication to teaching and scholarly inquiry, Evelyn Pohle is determined to significantly contribute to the future of STEM education, advocating for practices that welcome and celebrate the diversity of students' experiences and aspirations.
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