Learn Magazine
Spring 2025 • Issue 10
A letter from Dean Suzanne Rosenblith to the Graduate School of Education alumni, students, faculty, staff and community.
Cover Story
X. Christine Wang is personalizing learning with AI
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.
Featured Stories
For Amy VanScoy, GSE associate professor, conducting research abroad is a gift. The memories, professional connections and scholarly discoveries made while traveling have impacted the trajectory of her work and life. A recent trip to Lahore, Pakistan, was no exception.
⇢ Learn More About VanScoy's Trip and Discoveries
In a current study on “Disaster Justice and Resilience: A Response to the 2022 Buffalo Blizzard,” GSE Associate Professor Noemi Waight and her colleagues seek to understand the experiences of Buffalo residents who were directly and disproportionately impacted by the 2022 Buffalo blizzard.
⇢ Read More About Waight's Work and the Supporting Grant
GSE recently launched three online micro-credential programs: literacy coaching, teaching Black history and science of reading instruction. These flexible, innovative programs help educators enhance their skills and showcase achievements with digital badges.
⇢ Learn More About New Micro-Credential Programs
Points of View
Lessons from an International Student-Parent Journey
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.
Banning cellphones in schools is a red herring—the real issue is the extinction of the public commons
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.
Reading doesn’t take a break: Supporting young readers year-round
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.
Quick Reads
Sam Abramovich, GSE associate professor, is reimagining how we measure learning through micro-credentials, educational technology and the evolving impact of AI. A lifelong gamer, he blends research with real-world relevance, offering frameworks for better assessment in today’s digital age. Discover his work, passions and why he now proudly calls Buffalo home.
⇢ Read More About Abramovich
GSE PhD student Kayla Burt (KB)—researcher, data analyst and lifelong golfer—is taking big swings in education and life. From shaping graduate admissions research to expanding access to golf for young people, she’s blending strategy, passion and purpose to drive meaningful, lasting change on and off the course—one relationship, data point and golf swing at a time.
⇢ Read Burt’s Story
After serving in the U.S. Army, Emily Knitter experienced the emotional toll of transitioning to civilian life. Now a GSE alum and licensed psychologist, she’s dedicated to supporting fellow veterans through research, body-based trauma therapy, suicide prevention advocacy and equine-assisted practices that foster healing, identity and reintegration after service.
⇢ Learn All About Knitter’s Work
In a world where innovation can feel overwhelming, the whiteboard remains a familiar and easy-to-use tool.
⇢ Read the History of the Whiteboard
Discover the latest books and chapters authored by members of the UB GSE community.
⇢ View Titles by GSE Authors
At GSE, recognizing our student-athletes’ dedication both in the classroom and in competition is a no-brainer.
⇢ Check Them Out In Our Social Media
Catch up on what past classmates have been up to personally and professionally.
⇢ Review Alumni Updates
Remembering members of our cherished GSE community who recently passed.
⇢ Read the Notices
View the Digital Issue
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Learn Magazine is the semi-annual publication of the University at Buffalo's Graduate School of Education, designed to connect alumni and friends with the latest news, research, and stories from the GSE community. Each issue highlights faculty achievements, student success stories, and advancements in education, leadership, information science and school counseling and psychology, offering readers insights into the evolving landscape of education. With engaging content and inspiring features, Learn Magazine serves as a bridge between the school and its extended community, fostering connections and keeping readers informed about the impact and growth of GSE.
Editorial, Design and Photography Credits
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
Contact Us
To share your ideas and stories, email us: gsenews@buffalo.edu