Biography and expertise
Dr. Melhuish's primary area of research is related to teaching, learning, and assessment in proof-based mathematics. They have worked on a number of instrument development projects, studies of conceptual thinking in modern algebra, and projects aimed at improving proof-based courses with attention to authentic activity and inclusive environments. Dr. Melhuish served as PI on four NSF grants and co-PI on three others.
Education
Doctorate Degree
PhD in Mathematics Education
Portland State University, 2015
Master's Degree
MS in Applied Mathematics
Western Carolina University, 2010
Bachelor's Degree
BS in Mathematics
Gwynedd Mercy University, 2008
Featured grants
- Melhuish, Kathleen Mary (Principal), Lew, Kristen Marie (Co-Principal), Sigley, Robert (Other), Morey, Susan (Supporting), Dawkins, Paul Christian (Co-Principal), Bishop, Jessica Lynn (Supporting). Orchestrating Discussions Around Proof, National Science Foundation, Federal, $299847. (Submitted: May 1, 2018, Funded: November 1, 2018 - October 31, 2022). Grant.
- Mejía-Ramos, Juan Pablo (Principal), Lew, Kristen Marie (Co-Principal), Melhuish, Kathleen Mary (Co-Principal), Weber, Keith (Co-Principal), Gitomer, Drew (Co-Principal). Developing and Validating Proof Comprehension Tests in Real Analysis, National Science Foundation, Federal, $600000. (Submitted: December 13, 2017, Funded: October 1, 2018 - September 30, 2024). Grant.
- Melhuish, Kathleen Mary (Principal), Heaton, Ruth (Co-Principal), Thanheiser, Eva (Co-Principal), Strickland, Sharon K (Co-Principal), Sorto, Maria Alejandra (Co-Principal), Ellis, Brittney Marie (Co-Principal). Using Technology to Capture Classroom Interactions: The Design, Validation, and Dissemination of a Formative Assessment of Instruction Tool for Diverse K-8 Mathematics Classrooms, NSF, Federal, $1984657. (Submitted: November 2, 2017, Funded: September 4, 2018 - August 31, 2023). Grant.
- Melhuish, Kathleen Mary (Co-Principal), Foreman, Linda (Principal), Fredericks, Julie (Co-Principal), Thanheiser, Eva (Co-Principal), Shaughnessy, J.Michael (Co-Principal). Enhancing Mathematics Teaching and Learning in Urban Elementary Schools: A Cluster-Randomized Efficacy Trial of a Novel Professional Development Approach, NSF, Federal, $2488354.00. (Funded: September 1, 2013 - August 31, 2017). Grant.
- Melhuish, Kathleen Mary, Lew, Kristen Marie, Dawkins, Paul Christian. Advancing Methods for Analyzing Mathematical Proof Language, National Science Foundation, Federal, $291134. (Submitted: October 2, 2025, Funded: November 1, 2026 - Present). Grant.

Featured scholarly/creative works
- Sugimoto, A., Pham, A., Melhuish, K. M., Thanheiser, E., & Sorto, M. A. (2026). Meaning Supporting Practices Focused on Mathematical Tasks, Language, and Concepts. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education.
- Ellis, B. M., Austin, C. K., Hamilton, C. D., Dvarishkis, B. C., & Melhuish, K. M. (2025). Examining inequitable talk and perceived status during group-worthy tasks in an undergraduate topology course. In S. Cook, B. Katz, & K. Melhuish (Eds.), Proceedings of the 27th Annual Conference on Research in Undergraduate Mathematics Education (pp. 439–447).
- Czocher, J. A., & Melhuish, K. M. (2024). Attending to Coherence Among Research Questions, Methods, and Claims in Coding Studies. Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 55(3), 148–155.
- Melhuish, K. M., Strickland, S. K., Han, S., & Sorto, M. A. (2024). Why Ask Why? An Analysis of Teachers’ Why-Questions in Elementary and Middle Grade Mathematics Classrooms. Journal of Mathematics Teacher Education.
- Melhuish, K. M., Thanheiser, E., White, A., Rosencrans, B., Foreman, L., Shaughnessy, J. M., … Riffel, A. (2022). The Efficacy of a “Mathematics for All” Professional Development. Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 53(4), 307–333.
Featured awards
- Award / Honor Recipient: Teaching Excellence Award, Mathematics Department. December 2025
- Award / Honor Recipient: Service Excellence Award. 2022
- Award / Honor Recipient: Presidential Award for Excellence in Scholarly/Creative Activities, Assistant Professor/Senior Lecturer/Lecturer rank. 2020
- Award / Honor Recipient: Presidential Seminar Award. 2020
- Award / Honor Recipient: Valero Award for Excellence. 2020

Featured service activities
- Officer
RUME
- Other
SUPER in Math
- Editorial Review Board Member
Journal for Research in Mathematics Education
- Organizer
Mathematics Education Seminar
- Coordinator / Organizer
OK-TX RUME Conference
- Coordinator / Organizer
Mentoring & Partnerships for Women in RUME
