Meet the PDPD Team

**Some of the PDPD Team Members in Cleveland, OH, for PME-NA, Nov 2024** (From left to right: Maria Stewart, Zandra de Araujo, Sam Otten, Amber Candela, Faustina Baah, Olumide Banjo)

Principal Investigators

Zandra de Araujo, Ph.D. – Lastinger Center, University of Florida
Samuel Otten, Ph.D. – University of Missouri at Columbia
Amber G. Candela, Ph.D. – University of Missouri at St. Louis

PDPD Team Members

F. Paul Wonsavage, Ph.D. – University of Florida
Mitchelle Wambua – Washington University at St Louis
Maria Stewart – University of Missouri, Columbia
Courtney Vahle – St Louis University
Faustina Baah – University of Missouri at Columbia
Olumide Banjo – University of Missouri at Columbia
Ali Şimşek – University of Missouri at Columbia
Steven Henness – University of Missouri at Columbia
Chris Engledowl – Lastinger Center, University of Florida
José De León Alejandro – Lastinger Center, University of Florida

**Dr. Zandra de Araujo** started her career as a high school mathematics teacher. Currently, she is the Director of Mathematics and a Research Scientist at the University of Florida’s Lastinger Center for Learning. Her research focuses on teachers’ curriculum use, particularly with English learners. She is the author of numerous mathematics education publications, the creator of the Mathematically Educated blog, and the co-creator of the Two-Minute Teacher’s Guide.

**Dr. Samuel Otten** is a professor of mathematics education at Mizzou. He received his Ph.D. from Michigan State University in 2012. His research centers on student participation in mathematical practices and incremental approaches to professional development for mathematics teachers. He is from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and now lives in mid-Missouri with his wife, Chelsea (a music and drama teacher), and their four children, John, Harvey, Ruth, and Maggie.

**Dr. Amber Candela** is an associate professor of mathematics education at the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL). She currently teaches mathematics methods classes for prospective teachers. Previously she was a middle school mathematics teacher in Charlotte, NC, and New York City. Her research is focused on the professional development of mathematics teachers. Dr. Candela received a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and education from St. Bonaventure University, a master’s degree from Appalachian State University, and a doctorate from the University of Georgia.

Dr. Paul Wonsavage serves as a postdoctoral research associate on the PDPD project. He is a Ph.D. graduate from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. His work focuses on bridging research and district leadership with regard to K-12 mathematics. He previously worked as a high school mathematics teacher for 7 years before beginning graduate school and joining a state-wide research-practice partnership between NC K-12 mathematics educators, NC universities, and the NC Department of Public Instruction. His wife, Brittni, is a registered nurse and together they have two boys, Carter (4.5 years) and Davis (6 months).