research and employment Opportunities 

 The Math Abstraction Play Learning and Embodiment (MAPLE) Lab conducts research using different educational technologies in order to aid mathematical teaching and learning. Professor Ottmar invites Federal Work Study students to spend their work study hours assisting with the lab’s federal research projects. While working on the project you will have the opportunity to engage in the entire process of educational and psychological research in classrooms including experimental design, material development, study implementation, and data analysis. You will also have opportunities to work with after school programs and teachers. Programming skills are also needed. 

To learn more about the position and projects, please contact Erin Ottmar at erottmar@wpi.edu

Math Study:

The MAPLE Lab has been working hard to create a helpful teacher dashboard for an online math tool created to help students become more familiar with algebraic principles called Graspable Math. They have completed their first iterations of the dashboard, and want to hear from teachers and see them implement it in their classrooms. This study will take place in the fall of 2025. 

Timeline and Requirements of Teachers:

• Attend a Professional Development event hosted by Worcester Public Schools about the tool [Sept]

• Use Graspable Math in your classroom 3 times (1-2 times with observation) [Oct-Dec]

• Participate in a follow up focus group and survey [early Dec]

Participation in parts of this study will be compensated! 

If you are interested at all, email erottmar@wpi.edu. We want as many teachers as possible to participate! 

Erin Ottmar will not be funding new graduate students for the 2024-2025 Academic Year.

If you are interested in working with Erin and the MAPLE Lab and applying to the LST graduate school program for the 2025-2026 school year, please reach out directly to Erin at erottmar@wpi.edu.