PRIME Welcomes Matthew Voigt
A journey from Rural Roots to Championing Equity in STEM
The Program in Mathematics Education is excited to welcome new mathematics education faculty member Matt Voigt.
Matt is not your typical academic. His journey from a low-income rural Minnesota farming community to a leading researcher and advocate for equity and inclusion in STEM education is a testament to his resilience, passion, and unwavering belief in the power of education.
Growing up, Matt's world was filled with the simple joys of playing outside, navigating sibling dynamics (as the youngest of three), and dreaming of possessing Storm's superpowers from X-Men. Who wouldn’t want to control the weather? His humble beginnings instilled in him a deep appreciation for hard work, community, and the transformative potential of education.
Matt's academic journey has been anything but concise. He attended seven different colleges and universities in pursuit of his PhD, showcasing his intellectual curiosity and determination. He holds a Ph.D. in Mathematics and Science Education from San Diego State University and the University of California, San Diego, a Master's in Mathematics with an emphasis in Math Education from the University of Minnesota, and a Bachelor's in Mathematics and Psychology from Saint John's University and the College of Saint Benedict's. He also attended Minnesota School of Business for a certificate in Criminal Justice.
Before embarking on his academic career, Matt spent five years working as a computer programmer and IT trainer at Securian Financial Company (just picture office space and you will get the vibe). Interestingly, he had no prior experience in computer programming before taking on this role, highlighting his adaptability and eagerness to learn such cutting edge programming language such as PL/I and DB2.
Matt's personal experiences as a first-generation college student and a queer individual have profoundly shaped his research interests. He is deeply committed to examining issues of equity and inclusion in undergraduate STEM education. His current research projects focus on ethical research with LGBTQIA+ human subjects, systemic change efforts in math departments, co-equitable partnerships to support low-income transfer students, and understanding the experiences of queer students in STEM.
Matt's dedication to creating a more inclusive STEM environment is evident in his teaching and mentorship. He has developed new courses on diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM education and actively mentors postdocs, graduate and undergraduate students. He believes in empowering students to become agents of change and fostering a sense of belonging in academia. Notably, he recently graduated his first Ph.D. student, whose research explored coordinated math courses through a gendered lens. He is currently advising three Ph.D. students whose work examines gender inequity in faculty service responsibilities, the use of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy in college chemistry instruction, and a comparative case study of first-generation college students in the US and Norway.
Outside of academia, Matt's adventurous spirit shines through. He loves to travel and has had many memorable experiences, from swimming in an outdoor lap pool in snowy Norway to exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Bryce Canyon National Park. He is trying to visit every national park in the US – currently 27 out of 63. His hobbies, which include gardening, cooking, and strategy board games, reveal a multifaceted personality that balances intellectual pursuits with creative outlets and a love for community.
Matt Voigt's story is one of resilience, passion, and a deep commitment to making a difference. His unique background, combined with his academic achievements and advocacy work, makes him an inspiration to students and colleagues alike. As he embarks on his new role at Michigan State University, we can expect him to continue pushing boundaries, challenging norms, and championing equity in STEM education.
