Dr. Jessica Harris is Assistant Professor of Higher Education and Organizational Change at the University of California, Los Angeles. Dr. Harris’s research critically analyzes the ways in which systemic oppression and dominant paradigms shape higher education and leads to educational and social inequities. In addition, her scholarship has expanded knowledge about how these structures shape the identities and experiences of college faculty, student affairs professionals, and students within higher education. Her theoretically innovative and methodologically rigorous research has shined a spotlight on critical populations that are often silenced in educational research, including multiracial populations and victims of sexual violence.
The Scholars of Color Early Career Contribution Award is awarded to a scholar who is within the first ten (10) years of their career after receipt of the doctoral degree.
Scholars of Color Mid-Career Contribution Award
Adrienne Dixson
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Dr. Adrienne Dixson is Professor of Educational Policy at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagne. Her research focuses on how race, class, and gender shape educational equity and the experiences of traditionally underserved student populations in urban schools. Dr. Dixson has advanced theoretical knowledge and conversations regarding the role of race and racism in education through her own scholarship over the last two decades, but equally important is the fact that she has also been a leader in creating opportunities and outlets for other scholars of color to advance conversations about racial equity in U.S. education.
The Scholars of Color Mid-Career Contribution Award is awarded to a scholar who is beyond the first level of professional appointment and for whom at least 10 years have passed since receipt of the doctoral degree.
Distinguished Career Contribution Award
María Estela Brisk
Boston College
Dr. María Estela Brisk is Professor of Teaching, Curriculum, and Society at Boston College. For decades, Professor Brisk has been fundamental to the study of language and education. Since the 1960s, she has been a leader in national conversations about literacy and bilingualism. In fact, some colleagues point to Dr. Brisk’s work as instrumental in normalizing the study of language education and fueling the development of the field of bilingual education studies. She has also been a national leader in bridging research and practice to transform the ways in which educators talk about and engage language in students’ learning processes.
The Scholars of Color Distinguished Career Contribution Award is awarded to a senior-level scholar, usually 20 years or more after their receipt of the doctoral degree.
These three awards are intended to recognize (1) scholars at different stages in their careers who have made significant contributions to the understanding of issues which disproportionately affect minority populations, and (2) minority scholars who have made a significant contribution to educational research and development. The AERA Committee on Scholars of Color in Education is charged by AERA Council with serving as the selection committee for these awards.