3The American Educational Research Association Annual Meeting stands as the world’s largest gathering of education researchers, spotlighting groundbreaking and innovative studies. With over 2,500 sessions available, the 2025 Annual Meeting promises a dynamic experience, offering opportunities to glean insights from prominent scholars, explore the latest research, and cultivate professional connections.

The Johns Hopkins School of Education is thrilled to announce that over 50 of our faculty, staff, and students are showcasing their work at this year’s conference. Below, we’ve spotlighted our distinguished speakers. Don’t miss the opportunity to attend their presentations and uncover the impactful contributions from our community.

This information is subject to change. Please visit the AERA Annual Meeting 2025 program page for the latest information.

8 to 9:30 a.m. MT

At What Cost?: Researching Representation in the Core Knowledge Language Arts Curriculum to Repair Curricular Harm | At What Cost?: Researching Representation in the Core Knowledge Language Arts Curriculum to Repair Curricular Harm

  • Alexandra Shelton, PhD

    Assistant Professor

    Affiliation

    Innovative Teaching & Leadership

    Expertise

    Learning & Instruction, Special Education

    Headshot of Alexandra  Shelton, PhD
  • Curriculum Studies

    Our interdisciplinary approach encompasses curriculum design, implementation, and evaluation.

    Abstract illustration of a scale and ideas.

8 to 9:30 a.m. MT

The Association of Physical Condition of Schools with Absenteeism and Test Scores in Maryland | The Colorado Convention Center, Floor: Ballroom Level, Four Seasons Ballroom 4

  • Odis Johnson, Jr., PhD

    Bloomberg Distinguished Professor
    Executive Director, Johns Hopkins Center for Safe and Healthy Schools
    Director, Institute in Critical Quantitative, Computational, and Mixed Methodologies

    Affiliation

    Center for Safe and Healthy Schools, SOE Leadership

    Expertise

    Education Policy & Politics, Measurement & Research Methodologies, Social Context of Education

    Headshot of Odis  Johnson, Jr., PhD
  • Richard Lofton, PhD

    Assistant Professor

    Affiliation

    Center for Safe and Healthy Schools

    Expertise

    Education Policy & Politics, Social Context of Education

    Headshot of Richard  Lofton, PhD
  • Joshua Sharfstein

    Vice Dean Public Health Practice & Community Engagement, Distinguished Professor of the Practice, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

    Headshot of  Joshua Sharfstein
  • Priyanka Fernandes

    Student, Johns Hopkins Whiting School of Engineering

    Headshot of  Priyanka  Fernandes
  • Catherine Gong

  • Research, Evaluation, and Assessment in Schools

    We use data-driven insights to assess and improve the effectiveness of policies and programs.

    Abstract illustration of a mountain.

8 to 9:30 a.m. MT

Trusted Brokers: How Multiple Measures of Student and School Success Emerged in ESSA | The Colorado Convention Center, Floor: Ballroom Level, Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3

  • Rebecca Cruz, PhD

    Assistant Professor

    Affiliation

    Center for Safe and Healthy Schools, Innovative Teaching & Leadership

    Expertise

    Education Policy & Politics, Social Context of Education, Special Education

    Headshot of Rebecca  Cruz, PhD
  • Research, Evaluation, and Assessment in Schools

    We use data-driven insights to assess and improve the effectiveness of policies and programs.

    Abstract illustration of a mountain.

8 to 9:30 a.m. MT

The Roles of Basic Psychological Needs Satisfaction and WTC in Communication Across Different Learning Modes | The Colorado Convention Center, Floor: Meeting Room Level, Room 710

  • Zilu Jiang

    Postdoctoral Fellow, Johns Hopkins School of Education

    Headshot of  Zilu  Jiang
  • Learning and Instruction

    We study the many factors that contribute to optimal learning outcomes, aiming to make classrooms more engaging, inclusive, and effective.

    Abstract illustration of a person's brain.

9:50 to 11:20 a.m. MT

A Systematic Review of Evaluation Methods in Studies of Educational Technology in Mathematics | The Colorado Convention Center, Floor: Ballroom Level, Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3

  • Jennifer Morrison, PhD

    Associate Research Professor
    Deputy Director of Evaluation Research, Center for Research and Reform in Education

    Affiliation

    Center for Research and Reform in Education

    Expertise

    Curriculum Studies, Educational Technology, Learning & Instruction, Research, Evaluation & Assessment

    Headshot of Jennifer  Morrison,  PhD
  • Joseph Reilly, EdD

    Assistant Research Scientist

    Affiliation

    Center for Research and Reform in Education

    Expertise

    Research, Evaluation & Assessment

    Headshot of Joseph  Reilly,  EdD
  • Ashley Anne Grant

    PhD Graduate

    Graduation Year

    2020

    Research Interests

    Restorative practices; Teacher turnover, randomized control trial, school

    Ashley Anne Grant Headshot
  • Alan Reid

    Assistant Research Scientist, Johns Hopkins School of Education

    Headshot of  Alan  Reid
  • Joseph Reilly

    Assistant Research Scientist, Johns Hopkins School of Education

    Headshot of  Joseph Reilly
  • Michael Cook

    Data Analytics Manager, Johns Hopkins School of Education

  • Measurement and Research Methodologies

    Guided by rigorous quantitative and qualitative methodologies, we aim to advance the field of education research.

    Abstract illustration of a person's brain.

9:50 to 11:20 a.m. MT

The Development and Validation of a Second Language Writing Autonomy Scale | The Colorado Convention Center, Floor: Ballroom Level, Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3

  • Xue Wang

    PhD Student

    Cohort

    2021

    Research Interests

    Learner autonomy; Meta-analysis; AI for educational research

    Xue Wang Headshot
  • Research, Evaluation, and Assessment in Schools

    We use data-driven insights to assess and improve the effectiveness of policies and programs.

    Abstract illustration of a mountain.

11:40 a.m. to 1:10 p.m. MT

Factors Influencing Special Education Teacher Educators’ Focus on Emergent Multilingual Learners in Preservice Literacy Courses | The Colorado Convention Center, Floor: Meeting Room Level, Room 302

  • Alexandra Shelton, PhD

    Assistant Professor

    Affiliation

    Innovative Teaching & Leadership

    Expertise

    Learning & Instruction, Special Education

    Headshot of Alexandra  Shelton, PhD
  • Learning and Instruction

    We study the many factors that contribute to optimal learning outcomes, aiming to make classrooms more engaging, inclusive, and effective.

    Abstract illustration of a person's brain.
  • Collin Perryman

    Post Doctoral Fellow, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health

    Headshot of  Collin Perryman
  • Social Context of Education

    We investigate how social and cultural factors — including ethnicity, race, class, gender, sexuality, and religion — impact learning

    Social Context of Education

11:40 a.m. to 1:10 p.m. MT

Autoethnography as a Research Method to Examine Women's ELT Leadership Development in Transnational Spaces: Commentaries and Chair | The Colorado Convention Center, Floor: Meeting Room Level, Room 112

  • Debra Suarez

    Adjunct Lecturer, Johns Hopkins School of Education

    Headshot of  Debra  Suarez
  • Administration, Organization, and Leadership

    We focus on optimizing educational leadership and management practices, investigating elements of school and district governance.

    Abstract illustration of shaking hands and a megaphone.

11:40 a.m. to 1:10 p.m. MT

Common Ground, Solution Bound: Addressing the Interpersonal Challenges of Climate Conversations Using Social Perspective Taking | The Colorado Convention Center, Floor: Terrace Level, Bluebird Ballroom Room 3B

  • Hunter Gehlbach, PhD

    Professor
    Faculty Lead, PhD Program

    Affiliation

    Advanced Studies in Education

    Expertise

    Learning & Instruction, Measurement & Research Methodologies

    Headshot of Hunter  Gehlbach, PhD
  • Lisa Nehring

    PhD Student

    Cohort

    2020

    Research Interests

    Environmental education; Experiential learning; Neighborhoods; Curriculum & instruction

    Lisa Nehring Headshot
  • Li Li

    PhD Student

    Cohort

    2023

    Research Interests

    Social-Emotional Development in Adolescence; College Readiness and Transition; Internationalization of Higher Education

    Li Li Headshot
  • Katherine Cornwall

    PhD Graduate

    Graduation Year

    2024

    Research Interests

    Environmental education; Community involvement; Behavior; Health and wellness; Mindfulness

    Katherine Cornwall Headshot
  • Nan Mu

    PhD Graduate

    Graduation Year

    2024

    Research Interests

    Child development; English language learners

    Nan Mu Headshot
  • Qiyang Zhang

    PhD Graduate

    Graduation Year

    2024

    Research Interests

    Evidence-based education; Research synthesis; Health and education; Meta-analysis; Causal inference

    Qiyang Zhang Headshot
  • Lindi Shepard

    PhD Student

    Cohort

    2023

    Research Interests

    Place-based education; Environmental literacy; Inquiry-based learning; Cognition & learning; Teacher education

    Lindi Shepard Headshot
  • Social Context of Education

    We investigate how social and cultural factors — including ethnicity, race, class, gender, sexuality, and religion — impact learning

    Social Context of Education

1:30 to 3 p.m. MT

City Buses In Lieu of School Buses: A modern color line. | The Colorado Convention Center, Floor: Meeting Room Level, Room 104

  • Richard Lofton, PhD

    Assistant Professor

    Affiliation

    Center for Safe and Healthy Schools

    Expertise

    Education Policy & Politics, Social Context of Education

    Headshot of Richard  Lofton, PhD
  • Justin Hill

    PhD Student

    Cohort

    2020

    Research Interests

    Teacher quality; Instructional time; Seasonal learning; Education policy

    Justin Hill Headshot
  • Social Context of Education

    We investigate how social and cultural factors — including ethnicity, race, class, gender, sexuality, and religion — impact learning

    Social Context of Education

1:30 to 3 p.m. MT

Student Reading Self-Efficacy Development through a Middle School Reading Tutoring Program | The Colorado Convention Center, Floor: Ballroom Level, Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3

  • Affiliation

    Advanced Studies in Education

    Expertise

    Counseling & Human Development, Postsecondary Education, Social Context of Education, Urban Education

    Headshot of Ebony  McGee,  PhD
  • Zariah Nicole

    PhD Student

    Cohort

    2023

    Research Interests

    Anti-racism; Equity; Fugitivity; Black folx; Black language

    Zariah Nicole Headshot
  • Devin White

    PhD Student

    Cohort

    2023

    Research Interests

    STEM Education; Black STEMmers; Critical Theories of Race; Learning and Gaming

    Devin  White Headshot
  • Social Context of Education

    We investigate how social and cultural factors — including ethnicity, race, class, gender, sexuality, and religion — impact learning

    Social Context of Education

1:30 to 3 p.m. MT

MetaMate: Large Language Model to the Rescue of Automated Data Extraction for Educational Systematic Reviews | The Colorado Convention Center, Floor: Meeting Room Level, Room 704

  • Xue Wang

    PhD Student

    Cohort

    2021

    Research Interests

    Learner autonomy; Meta-analysis; AI for educational research

    Xue Wang Headshot
  • Measurement and Research Methodologies

    Guided by rigorous quantitative and qualitative methodologies, we aim to advance the field of education research.

    Abstract illustration of a person's brain.

1:30 to 3 p.m. MT

Understanding Study Time in College: The Role of Motivation and Time Management Using Experience Sampling Method | The Colorado Convention Center, Floor: Exhibit Hall Level, Exhibit Hall F - Poster Session

  • Zilu Jiang

    Postdoctoral Fellow, Johns Hopkins School of Education

    Headshot of  Zilu Jiang
  • Learning and Instruction

    We study the many factors that contribute to optimal learning outcomes, aiming to make classrooms more engaging, inclusive, and effective.

    Abstract illustration of a person's brain.

3:20 to 4:50 p.m. MT

Financial Wellness, Support Networks, and Community Wealth: Providing Access, Persistence, and Equity for College Students | The Colorado Convention Center, Floor: Terrace Level, Bluebird Ballroom Room 3E

  • Aisha Almond

    Alumni EdD 'YR, Johns Hopkins School of Education

  • Social Context of Education

    We investigate how social and cultural factors — including ethnicity, race, class, gender, sexuality, and religion — impact learning

    Social Context of Education

3:20 to 4:50 p.m. MT

Choosing Schools in Choice Neighborhoods: Student Mobility, School Composition, and Case Management in Memphis, TN | The Colorado Convention Center, Floor: Ballroom Level, Four Seasons Ballroom 1

  • Odis Johnson, Jr., PhD

    Bloomberg Distinguished Professor
    Executive Director, Johns Hopkins Center for Safe and Healthy Schools
    Director, Institute in Critical Quantitative, Computational, and Mixed Methodologies

    Affiliation

    Center for Safe and Healthy Schools, SOE Leadership

    Expertise

    Education Policy & Politics, Measurement & Research Methodologies, Social Context of Education

    Headshot of Odis  Johnson, Jr., PhD
  • Research, Evaluation, and Assessment in Schools

    We use data-driven insights to assess and improve the effectiveness of policies and programs.

    Abstract illustration of a mountain.

3:20 to 4:50 p.m. MT

Teachers’ Remedies in the Face of Uncertainty: Teachers’ Self-Efficacy Beliefs and Adaptations | The Colorado Convention Center, Floor: Terrace Level, Bluebird Ballroom Room 2H

  • Affiliation

    Advanced Studies in Education

    Expertise

    Learning & Instruction, Mind, Brain, & Teaching

    Headshot of Ranjini Mahinda  JohnBull,  PhD
  • Research, Evaluation, and Assessment in Schools

    We use data-driven insights to assess and improve the effectiveness of policies and programs.

    Abstract illustration of a mountain.

7 to 8:30 p.m. MT

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis SIG Business Meeting | The Colorado Convention Center, Floor: Meeting Room Level, Room 706

  • Amanda Neitzel (Inns), PhD

    Assistant Professor
    Deputy Director of Evidence Research, Center for Research and Reform in Education

    Affiliation

    Center for Research and Reform in Education

    Expertise

    Curriculum Studies, Research, Evaluation & Assessment

    Headshot of Amanda  Neitzel (Inns),  PhD
  • Qiyang Zhang

    PhD Graduate

    Graduation Year

    2024

    Research Interests

    Evidence-based education; Research synthesis; Health and education; Meta-analysis; Causal inference

    Qiyang Zhang Headshot
  • Measurement and Research Methodologies

    Guided by rigorous quantitative and qualitative methodologies, we aim to advance the field of education research.

    Abstract illustration of a person's brain.

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