Uri Treisman

Philip Uri Treisman is professor of mathematics and renowned for his innovative contributions to improving mathematics education, particularly among underrepresented minority students. He serves as a University Distinguished Teaching Professor of Mathematics and Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin and is the founder of the Charles A. Dana Center, which is dedicated to ensuring that all students, regardless of their life circumstances, have access to an excellent education.

Treisman earned his undergraduate degree in mathematics, summa cum laude, from the University of California, Los Angeles. He pursued graduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, where he obtained his Ph.D. in 1985.

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, while at UC Berkeley, Treisman conducted research addressing the high failure rates of minority students in undergraduate calculus courses. His work led to the development of the Emerging Scholars Program (ESP), which emphasized collaborative learning and high expectations, enabling students to excel rather than merely avoid failure. This program has been widely adopted across the United States and has significantly improved retention and success rates among minority students in mathematics.

Throughout his career, Treisman has received numerous honors and awards, including:

• 1987: Charles A. Dana Award for Pioneering Achievement in American Higher Education
• 1992: MacArthur Fellowship
• 2006: Scientist of the Year Award from the Harvard Foundation
• 2017: Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science
• 2019: Yueh-Gin Gung and Dr. Charles Y. Hu Award for Distinguished Service to Mathematics from the Mathematical Association of America
• 2020: James Bryant Conant Award from the Education Commission of the States

Treisman has also been active in various organizations aimed at improving mathematics education. He is a founder and member of the governing board of Transforming Post-Secondary Education in Mathematics and has served on the STEM working group of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. His research interests span mathematics and science education, education policy, and social and developmental psychology.

In June 2023, after 35 years as executive director, Treisman stepped down from his leadership role at the Dana Center. He continues to contribute to mathematics education through teaching, mentoring, and participation in national advisory boards and professional societies.

Treisman's research interests span mathematics and science education, education policy, and social and developmental psychology.