Barbara Oakley
Barbara Oakley, PhD, PE is an acclaimed educator, bestselling author, and renowned thought leader in the fields of learning, neuroplasticity, and skill acquisition. With her unique blend of expertise in engineering, mathematics, and cognitive science, Barbara has revolutionized the way we approach learning and personal growth.
As a sought-after speaker, Barbara has captivated audiences worldwide with her engaging presentations and dynamic teaching style. Her insights and practical strategies have empowered individuals across diverse industries, from Fortune 500 companies to educational institutions and beyond. Now, she brings her expertise to Universidad Francisco Marroquin, Guatemala, inspiring businesses, teachers, and college students with her transformative ideas.
Barbara's research has been described as “revolutionary” in the Wall Street Journal—she has published in outlets as varied as the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. She has won numerous teaching awards, including the American Society of Engineering Education’s Chester F. Carlson Award for technical innovation in engineering education. Her book A Mind for Numbers: How to Excel at Math and Science (Even If You Flunked Algebra), (Penguin, 2014) is a New York Times bestselling science book.
In addition to her influential books and captivating speaking engagements, Barbara Oakley is also the cocreator of the massively popular online course, Learning How to Learn. This groundbreaking MOOC (massive open online course) has attracted millions of learners from around the world, sharing insights into neuroscience and learning.
Barbara Oakley has adventured widely through her lifetime. She rose from the ranks of Private to Captain in the US Army, during which time she was recognized as a Distinguished Military Scholar. She also worked as a communications expert at the South Pole Station in Antarctica, and has served as a Russian translator on board Soviet trawlers on the Bering Sea. Dr. Oakley is an elected Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering.
