Pelin Akan

Pelin Akan is a doctoral student in educational studies with a specialization in mathematics and science education at BU Wheelock College of Education & Human Development. Her research interests focus on designing math curricula that instill students with an affection for mathematics, increasing accessibility to productive struggle, culturally responsive teaching, and equity issues in math education.

During her graduate studies at Lesley University, Pelin conducted several research projects and assignments about dehumanizing mathematics, assessment issues in mathematics, instilling an affection for mathematics, culturally responsive teaching, meeting the needs of bilingual learners, the role of gender identity and equity in a math classroom, supporting students with disabilities and students identified as gifted, the importance of productive struggle and high expectations, and negative impacts of tracking.

Before attending Boston University, Pelin worked at Walnut Hill School for the Arts as a high school math teacher and an academic advisor. During her time at Walnut Hill, Pelin helped create and implement a discussion-based, integrated, and spiraling math curriculum with other members of her math department.

Pronouns: she/her