Learn Magazine

A letter from Dean Suzanne Rosenblith to the Graduate School of Education alumni, students, faculty, staff and community.

GSE Professor X. Christine Wang is at the forefront of revolutionizing early literacy through responsible artificial intelligence. As director of UB’s Center for Early Literacy and Responsible AI (CELaRAI) and a leader in the National AI Institute for Exceptional Education, she’s developing ethical, personalized tools that support educators and improve learning outcomes. From speech-language interventions to individualized reading materials, Wang’s work ensures AI is used to empower—not replace—teachers while expanding access, equity and innovation in classrooms across the country.

How do you pursue a PhD while raising three kids in a new country? For Karly Rakhimova, a GSE doctoral student, it’s a daily dance of time zones, cultural surprises, school deadlines and bedtime stories. In this heartfelt reflection, Karly shares what it’s like to be an international student-parent—from navigating American school culture and late-night study sessions to embracing cultural differences and forging a new path in U.S. higher education. Her story is one of resilience, adaptability and the transformative power of pursuing a dream, while inspiring her children to do the same.

A proposed statewide cellphone ban in New York schools might sound like a simple fix to student distraction, but according to GSE Assistant Professor Katheryne T. Leigh-Osroosh, it misses the bigger picture. She argues that the real problem isn’t screen time—it’s the erosion of public spaces where students can meaningfully connect, learn and grow. Instead of focusing resources on policing phones, Leigh-Osroosh calls for renewed investment in dialogue-rich environments, digital literacy and inclusive educational practices that prioritize contact over control.

Summer may bring a break from school, but it shouldn’t mean a break from reading. UB’s Center for Literacy and Reading Instruction (CLaRI) is helping families keep the pages turning all year long. GSE Clinical Associate Professor Ashlee Campbell shares simple, practical ways parents can nurture a love of reading at home—from creating daily routines and embracing audiobooks to letting kids choose books that spark their interest. Her advice proves that with the right support, reading can be a fun and lasting part of everyday life.

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Editorial & Creative Director
Amber M. Winters

Director of Content & Lead Writer
Danielle LeGare

Web Design & Production
William J. Belz III
Nicole Mehlman-Davidow
Amber M. Winters

Graphic Design
Big Yellow Taxi

Copy Editors & Proofreaders
Danielle LeGare
Ann Whitcher Gentzke

Contributing Writers
Marina Barbopoulos
Katheryne T. Leigh-Osroosh
Nicole Mehlman-Davidow
Karly Rakhimova
Alexandra Saccone
Ann Whitcher Gentzke

Contributing Photographers
Bare Mountain Photography
Dylan Buyskes, Onion Studio, Inc.
Andre Carrotflower
Douglas Levere, UB
Amber M. Winters, UB