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.
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
June 30, 2026
2026 Outstanding Research Award: Career Research Faculty Award, Joseph Nese
The Career Research Faculty Award goes to non-tenure track faculty to recognize and celebrate a substantial and impactful scholarly record on UO campus or work that provides exceptional and innovative technical support to UO researchers. Joseph Nese, PhD, research professor, is recognized for his accomplishments in developing and improving systems that enhance educational practices and student outcomes.
June 24, 2026
2026 Outstanding Research Award: Senior-Career Award, Gina Biancarosa
The Senior-Career Award is the UO’s highest award for faculty to recognize and celebrate a deep and distinguished record of scholarship and research. Gina Biancarosa, EdD, the Ann Swindells Chair in Education and professor in the Department of Special Education and Clinical Sciences, is recognized for her transformative contributions to educational measurement, literacy research, and reading assessment on a national scale.
June 9, 2026
How can schools cultivate school belonging for LGBTQIA+ youth?
Sexual and gender minority youth tend to be at higher risk for peer victimization and all forms of harassment, including experiences of stigma and discrimination. Written by Maria Schweer-Collins, PhD, Research Assistant Professor, HEDCO Institute for Evidence-Based Educational Practice.
June 1, 2026
Lisa Mazzei receives AERA Dangerous Coagulations Award
COE Professor Lisa Mazzei received the 2026 Dangerous Coagulations Award from the American Educational Research Association’s Critical Posthuman and Postfoundational Studies in Education Special Interest Group. The award recognizes collaborative research teams whose scholarship advances post-foundational studies in education and pushes the boundaries of educational research through innovative and interdisciplinary approaches.