Professor, Mathematics
- PhD, Mathematics, Binghamton University, 2013
- MA, Mathematics, San Francisco State University, 2009
- BA, Interdisciplinary Studies Field, University of California, Berkeley, 2000
Amanda Ruiz earned her BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from UC Berkeley, where her interest in social justice issues began shaping her academic path. It was during her work in education and her engagement with Radical Equations by Bob Moses that she recognized math access as a profound social justice issue—a realization that has since driven her career. She joined the University of San Diego in 2014 after a teaching and research postdoctoral fellowship at Harvey Mudd College. With a PhD from Binghamton University, she has consistently championed inclusivity and equity in mathematics.
Dr. Ruiz's scholarship bridges her expertise in combinatorics and her commitment to equity in STEM. Her recent book, Middle School Mathematics Lessons to Explore, Understand, and Respond to Social Injustice, demonstrates her dedication to making mathematics a tool for empowerment and change. She has also contributed to the academic dialogue on the cultural capital of first-generation college students in STEM, and led workshops on the culture of mathematics, fostering critical conversations about the accessibility of the field.
An advocate for creating inclusive learning environments, Dr. Ruiz prioritizes making mathematics equitable and engaging for all students, particularly women and students of color. She views this mission as central to her role as an educator and researcher. Beyond the classroom, she enjoys doing jigsaw puzzles and spending time with her family. Amanda's Erdös-Bacon number is 6 (=3+3).