Humphrey Chinenye Ochulor
Dean’s Doctoral Fellowship Award Recipient; Research Assistant
Mathematics Education,
Curriculum and Instruction
About
I was the principal of Jesus Cares Academy (middle and high schools), Port Harcourt, Nigeria (2010 to 2012), where I supervised the activities of the teachers and the students. From 2012 to 2023, I was a mathematics and computer science lecturer at the Federal School of Statistics (a polytechnic), Enugu, Nigeria. In the same school, I served as the Director/Dean of Student Affairs from 2016 to 2019. My duties included reading, interpreting, and reviewing the Student Union Government (SUG) rules and regulations, enabling the students to abide by them while achieving their academic and professional goals. At the same time, I functioned as the secretary to the Staff Disciplinary Committee (SDC) at the school. From 2019 to 2023, I was appointed Director of Academic Planning at the same school. My duties were (i) allocating courses to and preparing the lecture and exam timetable for all the departments, (ii) supervision of the Student Industrial Work Experience (SIWES), and (iii) computation of the students’ results (GPA). Presently, I am a member of the Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) Grant Writing Team in Mathematics Education at Purdue University, a member and researcher in the Purdue University Girls Excelling in Mathematics and Science (GEMS) Club, and a member of the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi through a nomination by the chapter at Purdue University. I am a Dean’s Doctoral Research Assistant under the supervision of Professor Signe Kastberg. I also am the Project Manager on an EPICS Project team called “Green Energy Innovation as a Framework for Integrated STEM Education,” aimed at delivering STEM learning kits (solar car and wind turbine) to the Bauer Youth Development Program in Lafayette, Indiana.
Education
- Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri State, Nigeria, where I obtained a National Certificate of Education (NCE).
- Enugu State University of Science and Technology, where I obtained a BSc in Mathematics Education and an MSc in Mathematics Education.
- Digital Bridge Institute, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, where I received a certificate in Advanced Digital Appreciation Programme for Tertiary Institutions (ADAPTI).
- Projetech Consulting Computer Technology Institute, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, where I received a certificate in Data Analytics
- Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, U.S.A., where I am pursuing my PhD in mathematics education. I also enrolled in the STEM Education Certification and the Qualitative Research Certification programs at Purdue University.
Awards & Honors
- Dean’s Doctoral Fellowship Award: Purdue University (2023, 2024, and 2025)
- Inductee, The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, Purdue University, 2025
I gained media recognition in Punch Newspaper (July 2025) for inventing four algebraic games (2021) that have been shown to enhance students’ interest, retention, and achievement in algebra. These games have been adopted by several secondary schools in Nigeria because of their effectiveness in classroom instruction.
Professional Affiliations/Memberships
- Mathematical Association of Nigeria (MAN)
- Association of Mathematics Teacher Educators (AMTE)
- Psychology of Mathematics Education – North America (PMENA)
- Indiana Council of Teachers of Mathematics (ICTM)
- National Council of Teachers of mathemtics (NCTM)
Research & Publications
My research centers on innovative approaches to mathematics education through design-based learning, with a focus on enhancing student motivation, engagement, and conceptual understanding. I explore the role of hands-on STEM activities in developing proportional reasoning and spatio-visual thinking, particularly in middle and secondary mathematics classrooms. My work is guided by the Triadic Model of Motivation, which I developed to analyze affective, cognitive, and socio-cultural engagement in algebra instruction. I am also investigating the emerging role of artificial intelligence (AI) in supporting motivation and learning in mathematics education.
I have published on topics such as Innovative STEM Learning through Solar Oven Design and Spatio-Visual Reasoning through Hands-On STEM Construction Activities, and have presented my research at several conferences, including ICTM, AGSERS, and IMERS. My work aims to bridge theory and classroom practice by integrating STEM design challenges into mathematics instruction to support creativity, teamwork, conceptual understanding, and equity in learning.
Selected Publications
- Ochulor, H. C. (2025). Motivational impact of four algebraic games on students’ interest in algebraic expressions. FNAS Journal of Mathematics and Science Education, 6(4), 146-158.
- Ochulor, H. C., Erskine, A., & Aje, C. T. (2025). Innovative STEM learning through solar oven design: Promoting creativity and teamwork in STEM education. In W. S. Walker III, L. A.
- Bryan, & S. R. Chaudhury (Eds.), Proceedings of the Tenth Annual Indiana STEM Education Conference (p. 1). Purdue University. https://doi.org/10.5703/1288284317825
- Aje, C. T., Nuguid, M. E., Ünlü, M., & Ochulor, H. C. (2025). Spatio-visual reasoning and teamwork through a STEM design activity. In W. S. Walker III, L. A. Bryan, & S. R.
- Chaudhury (Eds.), Proceedings of the Tenth Annual Indiana STEM Education Conference (p. 1). Purdue University. https://doi.org/10.5703/1288284317825
- Ochulor, H.C. (2022). Effect of three algebraic games on junior secondary school students’ retention in algebra in Enugu State. Journal of Research in Science and Vocational Education, 2(1), 173-176.
- Ochulor, H.C. (2019). Use and Abuse of social media in the Global Village. International Journal of Studies in Education, 8(1), 61-68.
- Ochulor, H.C. (2017). impact of classroom management and control on the academic performance of secondary school students in Enugu North LGA. Journal of General Studies, 5(1), 105-109.
- Ochulor, H.C. (2016). Influence of poor mathematics background on the study of sciences in the senior secondary schools in Aba North LGA. Journal of General Studies, 4(1), 13-19.
Current Grants & Funded Research
- Project Name: Purdue Freedom Schools program.
- Study Name: Documenting the Potential for STEM Activities to Support Spatial and Geometrical Thinking and Actions
- Awarding Institution: Purdue University
- Principal Investigator (PI)—Dr. Laura Bofferding
- Duration: N/A
Advisor
Courses Typically Taught
- MATH 112 (Functions and Geometry)
- MATH 121 (Calculus 1)
- MATH 212 (Calculus 2)
- COMP 101 (Introduction to Computing)
- COMP 222 (Cooperative Computer-Internet)
- BAMD 112 (Business Mathematics 1)
- BAMD 122 (Business Mathematics 2)
Research Area / Dissertation Topic
Mathematical games, motivation, proportional reasoning (ratios, equivalent ratios, and unit ratios) to linearity, and STEM-based mathematics teaching and learning.