UH College of Education: Research

RESEARCH FOR A REASON

At the University of Houston College of Education, we’re leveraging science to make an impact in the community. As part of an ambitious Tier One public research institution, our faculty specialize in high-impact areas such as education policy, STEM and health disparities. Our students also have the opportunity to gain meaningful research experience and pursue their own discoveries.

ON THE RISE (latest years available)

$9MResearch expenditures (2022)
39%Increase in journal publications (2019-22)
12,198Citations of our faculty’s work (2022)
76%Increase in citations (2019-22)

CENTERS & INSTITUTES

Faculty from the UH College of Education recently launched three centers of excellence that exemplify our goal to make a collective impact:

The Advancing Community Engagement and Service Institute focuses on real-world learning experiences for students and helping communities in need.
The HEALTH Research Institute pairs innovative science and community partnerships to advance wellness and mitigate health disparities.
The UH Education Research Center analyzes preK-12, higher education and workforce data to inform public policy.

Learn more about all our centers and institutes.

RESEARCH IN ACTION

Researchers Find Texas Teacher Retention is Declining
The UH Education Research Center reports that strong teacher preparation with certification could prevent the downward trend. “We have seen trends that those who are uncertified leave the classroom at higher rates,” said research scientist Toni Templeton.
Faculty, Students and Alumni to Share Research at APA Conference
Scholars from the College will present their research findings on autism, stress and trauma, ADHD, and other important topics related to mental health and learning at the 2024 American Psychological Association Convention
Research Team Earns $1.9M Grant to Improve Middle School STEM Education
Jie Zhang, an associate professor of bilingual education, has teamed with science education faculty members Alberto J. Rodriquez and Sissy Wong and educators in Alief ISD on the National Science Foundation grant to design more culturally relevant lessons.
UH Professor Explores Impact of Stressors on the LGBTQ+ Community
As discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community has increased, Professor Nathan Grant Smith earned a federal grant to evaluate the impact of stress, looking at biological data and mental health measures.
$3.3M Grant Supports New Teacher Certification Option
The program will allow participants to work toward certification and a master’s degree while earning a stipend. “Our Houston community will benefit from the reliable employment pipeline the UH PDEE program will build,” said Associate Professor Jeannette Alarcón, the principal investigator of the UH Partnership to Develop Equity-Minded Educators program.

Doctoral student explaining his research

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

Students in the College of Education gain valuable research experience working alongside professors in labs, authoring publications and presenting at local, state and national conferences. Students are encouraged to reach out to professors whose research areas align with their interests. To learn more, explore these UH resources:

Undergraduates

Graduate Students

UH Graduate Research Showcase

SUPPORT FOR FACULTY

The College of Education’s Office of Research has four full-time employees dedicated to supporting faculty in the pursuit of funding, research and community engagement opportunities that advance the mission of the College. From holding grant-writing workshops to editing proposals, office staff are working to help the College meet its ambitious goals in line with a Tier One university.