2025 Award Recipient 
 

Leticia Alvarez Gutiérrez
The University of Utah

The recipient of the 2025 Exemplary Contributions to Practice-Engaged Research Award is Dr. Leticia Alvarez Gutiérrez, whose groundbreaking contributions as a scholar-activist merit this recognition. Her multi-faceted research in immigrant education and participatory methodologies transcend academic boundaries, making an indelible impact on the communities she serves. Through her dedication, innovative research, and unwavering commitment to bridging the gap between researchers and practitioners, Dr. Gutiérrez addresses critical educational issues by advancing our understanding and providing actionable solutions for educators, students, and communities to effect real change in the societal landscape. She has published her research findings in AERA Open, Urban Review, and Theory into Practice.

The Exemplary Contributions to Practice-Engaged Research Award is presented to an education research scholar or scholars in recognition of collaborative project(s) between researchers and practitioners that have had sustained and observable effects on contexts of practice.

Research conducted in settings in which collaboration between researchers and practitioners is integral to addressing challenging issues, constructing research-based innovations, or undertaking research‐based evaluations that have an impact beyond a single program or site are eligible for consideration. 

For purposes of this award, practice settings are understood to span the spectrum of educational contexts and levels of education, including informal environments, in which learning occurs. This award excludes work designed to influence the larger public or policy makers, or to have an indirect influence on education settings or practice though publications or research. 

The award will be presented annually, but may represent work conducted within a five-year time frame preceding the year in which the award is conferred.