UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Below are the most recent active external research grants awarded to faculty in the Penn State College of Education.

• Richard Kubina, professor of education (special education), is co-principal investigator (PI) of a two-year project, “Beginnings: Preparing Autistic Students for the Al Workforce,” that has been awarded $1 million from the National Science Foundation. This collaborative project consists of experts from Carnegie Mellon University and Penn State working to create Al career pathways for autistic STEM students. The project develops innovative teaching materials, provides internships and challenges stereotypes by creating pedagogical tools, and teaching technical and collaboration skills through hands-on and online learning. This grant supports autistic students in the workplace and social environments and increases access by making course materials available to community colleges. Somayeh Asadi, associate professor of architectural engineering, is PI.
• David Lee, professor of education (special education), is PI of a five-year project, “SACRED: Socially and Culturally Responsive Education for Students with EBD,” that has been awarded $1,126,773 from the U.S. Department of Education. Jonte Taylor, associate professor of education (special education), is co-PI. The project’s goal is to prepare doctoral-level university faculty in emotional and behavioral health supports where they will conduct research, prepare special education teachers, and serve the community. SACRED goes beyond these typical promotion/tenure domain areas by providing research-indicated preparation specific to the needs of K-12 students with emotional and behavioral health needs. Scholars will be trained in advanced strategies in academics, behavior and social supports, mental health, trauma, family engagement and cultural competence. The program utilizes coursework and intensive mentoring, along with an internship partnership with K-12 schools.

Information about external grant awards is provided by the College of Education Research Office. Click here for information about all active research projects in the college.