14 Research and Outreach Units Driving Change
What happens when bold ideas meet urgent challenges? Across our 14 research and outreach units, faculty, researchers, and community partners turn discovery into action. Together, they develop innovative solutions that strengthen schools, support families, and expand opportunities for children and youth. From early intervention to educational equity, their work creates lasting impact in Oregon, across the nation, 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.
in FY26
Gina Biancarosa leads the Literacy Screeners for Alaska Indigenous Languages project, which is developing and validating early literacy screeners designed to determine levels of necessary instructional support in reading for kindergarten through fifth grade in up to ten of the 23 Alaska Native languages.
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.
Recognized for decades of life-changing research, the College of Education fosters a culture of inquiry that empowers students to contribute to impactful solutions that advance equity, improve learning outcomes, and strengthen communities.
Lauren Berny
As a doctoral student, Lauren received a prestigious R36 dissertation grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
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.
Research News
September 8, 2026
Petrone Professor Maithreyi Gopalan interviewed by NPR about federal civil rights data research
Petrone Professor Maithreyi Gopalan, associate professor and researcher at UO says the 2023-24 collection introduced several new pieces of information. Gopalan, like other researchers NPR heard from, said she and a team of other researchers hope to publish a deeper analysis of the data on their website in the coming days.
September 2, 2026
Rhonda Nese appointed to state substance use prevention advisory group
Rhonda Nese, PhD, associate professor in the College of Education, Department of Special Education and Clinical Sciences, has been appointed to the Oregon Department of Education’s Substance Use Prevention Advisory Group.
August 31, 2026
Early math tutoring can boost achievement
UO report analyzed over 100 studies of children in preschool through first grade. Targeted help with math in students’ earliest years can lead to higher achievement, according to a report by the University of Oregon HEDCO Institute for Evidence-Based Educational Practice.
August 27, 2026
6 ways to encourage children’s love of reading
Reading for enjoyment in childhood helps build lifelong readers and supports academic success. However, research shows children are spending less time reading outside of school. Literary experts Gina Biancarosa and Audrey Lucero share tips to help inspire children to read for fun.