Dra. Claudia Vargas Díaz
About me
Dr. Claudia Vargas Díaz is a Chilean mathematics educator and researcher specializing in the didactics of mathematics. She holds a doctorate in Mathematics Education and focuses on how emotions and attitudes affect learning, especially regarding mathematical anxiety. She explores how emotional experiences can either hinder or enhance mathematical understanding, and develops strategies—such as the use of manipulative materials—to help students build positive, empowering relationships with math.
At the Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Dr. Vargas Díaz trains future mathematics teachers, supervises undergraduate and graduate research, and leads interdisciplinary initiatives that bridge pedagogy, neuroscience, and didactics. Her teaching encourages critical reflection, creativity, and a student-centered approach, helping educators cultivate inclusive and emotionally supportive learning environments.
She is the founder and director of the Mathematics Didactics Laboratory Museum (MLDM) at USACH, an innovative educational space that invites schoolchildren and teachers to explore mathematics through play, exploration, and emotional connection. The museum integrates research, outreach, and teaching by offering hands-on activities that make mathematics visible, tangible, and joyful. The MLDM also serves as a research hub to investigate affective and cognitive aspects of learning math and contributes to national dialogue around education and equity.
Dr. Vargas Díaz is deeply committed to encouraging girls and women to study mathematics and pursue STEM fields. She has actively worked to dismantle stereotypes and promote role models in math education, both through her academic work and community outreach. She served as a member of the Gender and Diversity Commission at USACH, which was responsible for drafting and institutionalizing the university’s Protocol for the Prevention and Sanction of Gender-Based Violence—a milestone in promoting a safer and more inclusive academic community.
Her leadership and creativity have earned national recognition: she was recently selected to speak at Congreso Futuro 2026, one of Latin America's most important science outreach events, and will soon receive the Espíritu IESED Award for her contributions to public education and interdisciplinary science. Dr. Vargas Díaz is also a passionate public speaker and collaborator, frequently participating in international conferences and public forums to advocate for joyful, just, and equitable math education.
Dr. Claudia Vargas Díaz is a Chilean mathematics educator and researcher specializing in the didactics of mathematics. She holds a doctorate in Mathematics Education and focuses on how emotions and attitudes affect learning, especially regarding mathematical anxiety. She explores how emotional experiences can either hinder or enhance mathematical understanding, and develops strategies—such as the use of manipulative materials—to help students build positive, empowering relationships with math.
At the Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Dr. Vargas Díaz trains future mathematics teachers, supervises undergraduate and graduate research, and leads interdisciplinary initiatives that bridge pedagogy, neuroscience, and didactics. Her teaching encourages critical reflection, creativity, and a student-centered approach, helping educators cultivate inclusive and emotionally supportive learning environments.
She is the founder and director of the Mathematics Didactics Laboratory Museum (MLDM) at USACH, an innovative educational space that invites schoolchildren and teachers to explore mathematics through play, exploration, and emotional connection. The museum integrates research, outreach, and teaching by offering hands-on activities that make mathematics visible, tangible, and joyful. The MLDM also serves as a research hub to investigate affective and cognitive aspects of learning math and contributes to national dialogue around education and equity.
Dr. Vargas Díaz is deeply committed to encouraging girls and women to study mathematics and pursue STEM fields. She has actively worked to dismantle stereotypes and promote role models in math education, both through her academic work and community outreach. She served as a member of the Gender and Diversity Commission at USACH, which was responsible for drafting and institutionalizing the university’s Protocol for the Prevention and Sanction of Gender-Based Violence—a milestone in promoting a safer and more inclusive academic community.
Her leadership and creativity have earned national recognition: she was recently selected to speak at Congreso Futuro 2026, one of Latin America's most important science outreach events, and will soon receive the Espíritu IESED Award for her contributions to public education and interdisciplinary science. Dr. Vargas Díaz is also a passionate public speaker and collaborator, frequently participating in international conferences and public forums to advocate for joyful, just, and equitable math education.
Other Memberships/Affiliations
Degrees:
República Dominicana