Students, staff and faculty members from Penn State's College of Education share recent research and career achievements.
- Mildred Boveda, associate professor of special education, is lead author of a new paper, “A Critical Historical Analysis of the Trajectories and Equity Tensions in Inclusive Education for Students with Disabilities” in Third International Handbook of Educational Change. In addition, Boveda was an invited keynote speaker for the 2nd Nigeria National Colloquium on Special Needs Education at the University of Ibadan on May 4-7. The theme of her talk was “Research and Ethical Issues in Special Needs Education.”
- ML Brown, a doctoral student in special education and an adjunct professor at Delaware State University, has been named a recipient of the Catalyst Creators Scholarship for Children’s Picture Book Manuscripts Featuring Underrepresented Voices. The national scholarship recognizes emerging creators whose work highlights identities and experiences that have historically been underrepresented in children’s literature. Brown’s manuscript is an affirming ABC-style picture book centered on Black neurodivergent children and children with disabilities.
- Erica Frankenberg, professor of education and demography, is a co-author of a recently published paper, “School Attendance Zone Boundary Changes and Segregation in a Suburban Black Enclave,” in American Educational Research Journal.
- Jessica Henry, teaching professor of rehabilitation and human services, was included in the regular “We Are!” feature, which recognizes Penn Staters who have gone above and beyond what’s asked of them in their work at the University.
- Leah P. Hollis, professor of education policy studies, is lead author of a new article, “Perilous games: Gendered moral disengagement, winning culture, and COVID-19 safety in NCAA division I athletics” in International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching. In addition, Hollis recently delivered two workshops at the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Konstanz, Germany. Her presentations focused on workplace culture, employee well-being and organizational dynamics in higher education and research environments.
- Penn State College of Education student Irvin Moore on being named one of Penn State’s 2026 Outstanding Adult Student Award recipients. Moore, a rehabilitation and human services major who will turn 80 this August, was recognized for his academic achievement, perseverance and dedication to helping others.
- College of Education students Madiha Noor and Breneil Malcolm recently received prestigious University-wide honors recognizing excellence in teaching and scholarship. Noor, a doctoral candidate in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in early childhood education and a dual title in comparative and international education, was selected as a recipient of the 2026 Harold F. Martin Graduate Assistant Outstanding Teaching Award — one of only 10 graduate students across Penn State to receive the distinction. Malcolm, a student in learning, design, and technology, was also recognized with an Alumni Association Dissertation Award.
"College of Education News" highlights accomplishments by faculty, staff and students in the College of Education, including publications; research presentations at conferences and workshops; and awards and fellowships. Please share your news with us and your colleagues by emailing edrelations@psu.edu.