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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Brief videos highlighting remarkable research and grant awards within the College of Education
INTERIM DEAN, THOMSON PROFESSOR
Emily Tanner-Smith
Professor Tanner-Smith discusses meta analysis project that focuses on examining the effectiveness of mathematics interventions.
PHILIP H. KNIGHT CHAIR
Beth Stormshak
Professor Beth Stormshak, PhD discusses The Family Check-Up Model and its unique, strength-based approach.
EVERGREEN ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Elizabeth Budd
Evergreen Associate Professor Liz Budd, PhD, discusses her project that focuses on addressing health disparities within Latinx communities.
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR
Ilana Umansky
Professor Umansky speaks to her involvement in the National R&D Center to Improve Education for Secondary English Learners.
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
September 30, 2025
Two UO faculty honored with medical research awards
Leslie Leve, professor and the Lorry Lokey Chair in education in the College of Education, along with Professor Karen Guillemin have each been recognized by the Medical Research Foundation of Oregon of OHSU. Professor Leve is recognized for her efforts to provide exceptional mentorship in support of education, health research, and advancing health care.
September 26, 2025
AI to support student learning
HEDCO Institute for Evidence-Based Educational Practice released its latest blog that highlights the promising possibilities of Generative AI (GenAI) that supports student learning, while noting the broader challenges and cautions.
August 22, 2025
Experts weigh in on how parents can support their children amid a youth mental health crisis
The number of teens reporting depressive symptoms has risen sharply over the past decade, and the trend is particularly bad in Oregon. On this week's episode of "Straight Talk," three experts, Dr. Jen Doty, Dr. Beth Stormshak, and Dr. Ariel Williamson who are working to get ahead of the curve, came together to talk about what's driving the trend, what researchers say can be done to help, and what kids are saying they need.
August 14, 2025
Bilingual Education vs. English-Only: What the Research Says
"These programs vary widely: who can enroll in them, how long the programs run, the balance between English and the partner language, who teaches classes, and what the long-term goals are.", said Ilana Umansky, PhD, an associate professor at the University of Oregon College of Education.
Jennifer Ruef, PhD, is one of four UO researchers to receive the National Science Foundation’s most prestigious honor for early-career faculty in 2024. Ruef’s project is focused on student perceptions of math and partnering with teachers to improve how they teach math.
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.