James Álvarez joined NSF from the University of Texas at Arlington where he is a Professor of Mathematics and Distinguished Teaching Professor. His research and professional interests are in undergraduate mathematics education in the areas of mathematical problem solving, mathematical preparation of secondary teachers, mathematics faculty professional development, and strategies for increasing student success in STEM gateway mathematics courses. He has extensive experience in designing courses that target preservice and in-service secondary teachers’ development of mathematical knowledge for teaching and in developing lessons that integrate ideas about teaching and learning mathematics in undergraduate mathematics courses. Contact him at jalvarez@nsf.gov.