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
May 13, 2026
Academic Gatekeeping of English Learner-Classified Students: The Case of California
Associate Professor Ilana Umansky, PhD, and QRME doctoral student Havisha Khurana, examine how keeping California students who have already demonstrated English proficiency in EL status influence their academic and behavioral outcomes compared to being reclassified.
May 6, 2026
UO researchers offer approaches to reduce absenteeism in US schools
Chronic absenteeism is one of the biggest challenges K-12 schools face across the United States. A new report from the HEDCO Institute at the University of Oregon offers promising approaches to reduce chronic absenteeism, including curriculum changes and better communication with parents.
April 23, 2026
Donor Support Shapes Laine Lovgren’s Research Journey
Graduating this spring with a degree in Child Behavioral Health from the University of Oregon’s Portland campus, Laine Lovgren participated as a HEDCO Institute Undergraduate Scholar, an opportunity made possible through donor support. Through the HEDCO Institute Undergraduate Scholars Program, students like Laine are able to translate research into real-world impact.
April 13, 2026
Beth Stormshak, PhD, Philip Knight Chair, 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, Philip Knight Chair, 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.
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.