Dr. Jamaal Matthews

Biography

Jamaal Sharif Matthews is an Associate Professor in the Marsal Family School of Education at the University of Michigan, focusing on Educational Studies and Educational Psychology. His research examines the intersection of mathematics achievement motivation and adolescence within the context of socio-political dynamics, specifically addressing how these factors influence students' beliefs and abilities regarding mathematics. Matthews adopts a critical race perspective to analyze the psychological processes that foster adaptive and healthy functioning among Black American and Latinx adolescents in urban schools. His work has significant implications for public scholarship and interventions aimed at youth mentoring. Matthews has received numerous accolades for his contributions, including the APA Early Career Educational Psychology Research Award and multiple dissertation awards. He has been instrumental in securing funding from organizations such as the National Science Foundation and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support research in educational science and equity in urban education. Beyond research, he integrates critical cultural perspectives into his teaching, with a commitment to motivating marginalized youth and fostering adolescent development through courses addressing equity and inclusion.

Research Interests

Experience