April 2024

AERA’s Undergraduate Student Education Research Training Workshop was held with 18 promising undergraduate students during the 2024 Annual Meeting in Philadelphia. This cohort of undergraduates was competitively selected to participate from a sizable pool of applicants.

Each year the workshop has engaged undergraduates who are conducting education research and who have an interest in pursuing careers as researchers, faculty members, or other professionals engaged in advancing knowledge in the field. First held in 2009, the workshop is designed to build the talent pool of undergraduate students who plan to pursue doctoral degrees in education research or in disciplines and fields that examine education and learning from early childhood to workforce participation. It reflects AERA’s ongoing commitment to investing in the future and developing pathways to education research early in the careers of students.

The workshop consisted of three days of dynamic lectures and activities led by senior scholars and researchers. Sessions focused on topics in research methods, such as using statistical techniques in STEM learning and education and using qualitative research methods to examine education policy and to conduct education research in diverse communities. During the workshop, participants received career development advice from senior scholars and had opportunities to network with graduate students, faculty members, and other researchers attending the Annual Meeting.

The 2024 cohort of participating students were all conducting research with faculty members or had an ongoing research project that was part of their undergraduate studies. They were majoring in disciplines and fields across the social and behavioral sciences as well as liberal arts.

Participants presented their research through electronic monitors at a poster session at the conference, providing them with the opportunity to receive feedback on their work from the education research community.

Their research covered a broad range of topics, including child development, teachers’ professional experiences, history of education, higher education, and STEM education. Many of the studies focused on education research topics across race, gender, and class.

“This is a phenomenal group of students who are conducting rigorous scientific research,” said George L. Wimberly, AERA director of professional development and workshop chair.  “AERA is pleased to help guide this next generation of scholars and researchers as they prepare for graduate study and research careers.”

The students’ poster presentations are currently accessible in the AERA i-Presentation Gallery for those who are registered for the 2024 Annual Meeting. The Gallery becomes available as an open access product in early summer. This fall, AERA will begin accepting proposals for the 2025 Undergraduate Workshop, planned for the 2025 Annual Meeting in Denver. Questions can be directed to fellowships@aera.net.