Published May 13, 2025
Wang to receive President’s Medal at GSE commencement
X. Christine Wang, professor of learning and instruction in the Graduate School of Education, will receive the University at Buffalo President’s Medal during GSE’s commencement ceremony on May 16.
The President’s Medal, first presented in 1990, recognizes “outstanding scholarly or artistic achievements, humanitarian acts, contributions of time or treasure, exemplary leadership or any other major contribution to the development of the University at Buffalo and the quality of life in the UB community.”
Wang serves as senior associate dean for interdisciplinary research and director of the Fisher-Price Endowed Early Childhood Research Center. A world-renowned scholar in early childhood education and learning sciences, her research focuses on technology and children’s learning and development, computational thinking and literacy, and early education in international contexts.
"Christine Wang’s contributions to the University at Buffalo and to the field of early childhood education are extraordinary," said Suzanne Rosenblith, GSE dean and professor. "Through her groundbreaking research, collaborative leadership and tireless commitment to innovation, Christine has elevated GSE’s research enterprise and strengthened our impact locally, nationally and globally. We are proud to celebrate her with this well-deserved honor."
Wang’s work has been supported by the National Science Foundation, the Institute of Education Sciences, the Spencer Foundation, the American Educational Research Association (AERA) and the International Reading Association.
She currently leads several major federally funded projects, including the National Center for Early Literacy and Responsible AI and the National AI Institute for Exceptional Education. Together, these initiatives are advancing early literacy, special education and responsible AI practices at scale.
Wang also leads UB’s PlayfulAI Learning and Design Lab and launched the “AI + Education Learning Community Series” to explore the integration of AI in K–12 education.
She has authored more than 100 publications, delivered over 40 keynote and invited talks and presented at more than 100 conferences worldwide.
A recipient of AERA’s Jan Hawkins Award, Wang has contributed her expertise to numerous national and international organizations, including the International Society of the Learning Sciences and the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
The President’s Medal will be presented to Wang during GSE’s commencement ceremony, to be held May 16 at UB’s Center for the Arts.
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