Spotlight on I Putu Ade Andre Payadnya

Andre, in front of 1885 Place student Apartment upon his arrival at Michigan State University 

I Putu Ade Andre Payadnya, lovingly called Andre, was born and raised in Bali, Indonesia, a place rich in tradition, culture, and strong family values. Coming from a family that deeply appreciates education, Andre grew up believing that education is the key to empowering both the personal spaces like families, and the collective ones, like the nation itself. His taking up of a career as a mathematics educator was greatly inspired by that belief. 

Andre earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics education from Universitas Pendidikan Ganesha, later becoming a lecturer at Universitas Mahasaraswati Denpasar, in Indonesia. Over the past eight years, he has taught and conducted research in mathematics education, earning recognition as an Associate Professor at his institution. In addition to his role as a lecturer, he has served as the Head of the Education Development Department in the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education at his university.

 

Performing Arts in Kuta, Badung, Bali; Snapshot representing Bali’s culture interweaving art and nature (taken by Andre) 

 

There is a specific and very moving life-story behind why Andre found mathematics education to be his pursuit as a research scholar. During his undergraduate years one of his professors emphasized that understanding concepts must come before memorizing formulas. This lesson shaped his teaching philosophy foundationally. Over the years, he worked towards ameliorating students’ negative perceptions of mathematics by designing innovative approaches, including the “what-if” learning strategy, which encourages students to challenge problems and think critically. His journey later expanded into ethnomathematics— the study of cultural practices as a basis for learning mathematics. Through this work, he explored traditional Balinese counting systems, house designs, and other cultural practices to help students connect mathematics to everyday life. More recently, his focus turned to combining cultural insights with modern technologies, developing “Culturally Digital Mathematics Learning (CDML)”, a model that integrates tradition and innovation in mathematics education. 

 

Andre, as a visiting scholar at Western Michigan University

 

In 2021, Andre was awarded the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Initiative. As part of it, he spent four months conducting research at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States. This transformative venture, in his own words, allowed him to refine his ideas about “innovative learning designs, fruitful collaboration with international academics, and publishing in reputable international journals”. The experience also gave him confidence in navigating global academic spaces, supported by mentorship and international partnerships that continue to shape his work today. Building on this success, Andre is now pursuing his PhD at Michigan State University’s Program in Mathematics Education (PRIME) as a Fulbright Scholar. 

 

 

Andre in front of the MSU Library

Andre loves strolling around the university’s picturesque campus, where the tree-lined paths and historic buildings provide both a sense of calm and inspiration. Staying active is an important part of his daily routine, and he makes time to work out regularly to have a good balance in a demanding PhD program like in PRIME. He treasures moments of hanging out with friends, sharing laughter and stories that make his experience in and with this new place even more memorable. In addition, he finds fulfilment working at the university library, where the focused and curiosity-driven atmosphere fuels his own love of learning. Together, he hopes, these routines and experiences would make his PhD journey rewarding and meaningful both in academic and personal terms. 

 

Andre with his wife and baby daughter 

Andre’s scholarly pursuit came with inevitable personal sacrifices— he had to temporarily leave his wife and newborn daughter behind in Indonesia to begin his studies in the U.S. Despite the distance, he mentions, “I find strength and motivation in their unwavering support, as well as that of my extended family. I look forward to reuniting with them soon in the United States and continue this journey together”. Their encouragement, he says, “is my principal driving spirit in striving toward higher education and greater contributions to mathematics education”. 

Andre loves to describe himself as a lifelong learner— committed to advancing mathematics education by bridging cultural wisdom and digital innovation. His journey from Bali to East Lansing reflects not only his dedication to research but also his belief in education’s power to transform lives everywhere in the world. 

Added by PRIME: Welcome to MSU, Andre! We are glad you are here, and appreciate all you have done to pursue your PhD in Mathematics Education at MSU!