We are home to 14 research and outreach units. Our faculty members in these units have a reputation for conducting innovative work in school reform, assessment, school-wide discipline and behavior management, positive youth development, family interventions, special education, early intervention, and culturally responsive educational practices. These programs help children and families of all ages—from infants and toddlers to adolescents and young adults. The work they do is making a difference in Oregon, across the country, and around the world.
Our research culture is field-leading and highly influential with a long tradition of translating research into effective models, methods, and measures that improve lives.
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As part of the Autism Data Science Initiative at the National Institutes of Health, associate professor Lauren Cycyk is partnering with collaborators at the Oregon Health & Sciences University on a new initiative that will combine cutting-edge analytic work with direct outreach to the autism community to recommend ways to improve the health of people living with autism.
Impact and Outcomes
We are the highest-ranked academic unit at the University of Oregon, due largely to a decades-long record of national and international research and development in special education, counseling psychology, educational leadership, and school psychology. Our research culture is unique and highly influential because our faculty have a long tradition of translating research into effective models, methods, and measures that improve lives.
Our innovations have an enduring impact in Oregon and across the nation.
Research News
April 13, 2026
Beth Stormshak, PhD, Named New Editor-In-Chief of Prevention Science
The Society for Prevention Research (SPR) is delighted to announce the appointment of Elizabeth (“Beth”) Stormshak, PhD, as the next Editor-in-Chief of Prevention Science, the official journal of SPR. Dr. Stormshak will begin as Editor-elect on July 1, 2026, and will assume full editorial responsibility for new submissions beginning January 1, 2027.
April 10, 2026
Do school-based interventions reduce chronic absenteeism?
A recent summary from the University of Oregon’s HEDCO Institute may have possible solutions for schools struggling with students missing large amounts of the school year. Elizabeth Day, a UO assistant research professor and assistant director of outreach for the HEDCO Institute shares subject-matter expertise.
April 1, 2026
University of Oregon experts see promise and challenges in updated food pyramid
Nutrition experts at UO hosted a nutritional guideline panel to discuss the Trump Administration's change to the food pyramid and how that may impact school lunches. Associate Professor of Education and Environmental Studies Sarah Stapleton, PhD, said that moving away from processed foods in schools is a positive, but the focus on dairy will lead to an equity issue as many in the BIPOC community are lactose-intolerant.
March 27, 2026
Student Advances Research at National Conference Through Donor-Funded Support
The College of Education’s donor-funded Professional Development Program is helping graduate students take important steps toward their future careers. Abbie Sanders, a doctoral candidate in Prevention Science, was able to present her paper Social Networks and Parents’ Early Reentry Outcomes at the annual American Psychology Law Society meeting after receiving professional development funds.
Strengthening connections between research and practice in K-12 education
The HEDCO Institute for Evidence-Based Educational Practice aims to impact future generations by supporting today’s educators. Using the latest tools and methods to conduct rigorous evidence syntheses that meet the rapid decision-making needs of education leaders, the HEDCO Institute translates the findings from existing research, providing education leaders with trustworthy information to support the implementation of evidence-based practices, and promoting healthy students and schools.