Message from the Dean

Dear GSE Friends and Alumni,

While this year has brought its share of challenges, GSE remains steadfast in its commitment to producing impactful, evidence-based research, student-centered teaching and meaningful outreach. In this issue of Learn, we highlight many of the successes we’ve achieved despite the uncertain context in which we find ourselves.

Dr. X. Christine Wang, professor of learning and instruction and senior associate dean for research, continues to distinguish herself as a leading scholar in AI and education. She secured a major grant to establish the Center for Early Literacy and Responsible AI. Alongside GSE colleagues, Dr. Wang will develop AI tools to support teachers working with young learners struggling to master foundational literacy skills.

Recognized for her substantial contributions to education research, SUNY Distinguished Professor Amanda Nickerson—who also directs the Alberti Center for Bullying Abuse Prevention—was named a 2025 American Educational Research Association (AERA) Fellow.

Dr. Mary McVee, professor of learning and instruction, received the AERA Division G Social Contexts of Education Mentoring Award, recognizing her deep commitment to mentoring future scholars.

This spring, we also said goodbye to a legend in GSE and a giant in the field. Dr. Lois Weis, SUNY Distinguished Professor, retired in January. A robust celebration in her honor featured a wonderful talk by Dr. Weis and longtime collaborator Dr. Michelle Fine, reminding us of all the lasting impact Dr. Weis has made on education research. We wish her a joyful and restful retirement.

In this issue, you’ll also read about our remarkable students and alumni. Kayla Burt, a PhD student in the Department of Information Science, is exploring the intersections of technology and accessibility. Although early in her career, she’s already earned several awards for her work.

You’ll also meet alumna Emily Knitter, a graduate of our combined PhD in counseling psychology and school psychology. Dr. Knitter is an advocate for veterans and studies innovative strategies for post-military reintegration.

These are just a few of the stories included in this issue of Learn. As we navigate the many changes to the education landscape, I want to remind you of the deep level of expertise held by the faculty in GSE. If you would like to better understand the implications of any proposed policy changes, please reach out to us.

Please take some time to read through the magazine—we’re proud to share the inspiring work of GSE faculty, students and staff with you.

Warmly,

Suzanne Rosenblith

Land Acknowledgment Statement

“Great Lakes, No Clouds” Image of North America’s five Great Lakes courtesy of US NASA Earth Observatory.

A pledge to peaceably share and care for North America’s five Great Lakes

We would like to acknowledge the land on which the University at Buffalo operates, which is the territory of the Seneca Nation, a member of the Haudenosaunee/Six Nations Confederacy. This territory is covered by The Dish with One Spoon Treaty of Peace and Friendship, a pledge to peaceably share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes. It is also covered by the 1794 Treaty of Canandaigua, between the United States Government and the Six Nations Confederacy, which further affirmed Haudenosaunee land rights and sovereignty in the State of New York. Today, this region is still the home to the Haudenosaunee people, and we are grateful for the opportunity to live, work and share ideas in this territory.