Smith awarded Purdue’s highest undergraduate teaching honor
Purdue chose Jennifer Smith, associate clinical professor of special education, as one of the five 2024 Charles B. Murphy Award winners.
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College of Education
Department of Educational Studies
Discovering and Developing Human Potential in Diverse Learning Environments
Our nationally known faculty are engaged in the discovery, application, and dissemination of new knowledge centered on three key themes: Educating Diverse Learners, STEM Learning, and Effective Teaching.
We pride ourselves in preparing students for positions as university professors, researchers, special education professionals, counseling psychologists, and testing, measurement and evaluation specialists. Our graduates work in schools, higher education, and private industry.
Featured News
EDST Citizen Award
This Department of Educational Studies recognition is for those who have gone above and beyond their roles or shown support and/or positive attitudes even in difficult situations. The nominations need to include concrete examples of such behaviors (e.g., random acts of kindness).
Dr. Jennifer Smith
This recognition is particularly triggered after I learned that she agreed to serve on two additional search committees this past week in our department. Jennifer served/is serving in total on 6 searches: 2 for Special Education (co-chaired one of them with Denise Whitford), 2 for CPSY and 2 for Ed Psych. She agreed to these commitments in addition to the 5 courses she’s teaching (had to take two overloads), serving as an undergraduate coordinator for SPED and participating in I2 leadership and additional tasks. While I know many of us go beyond the call of duty while at the same time being buried with work, I want to recognize Jennifer for modeling a spirit of collegiality, teamwork, and willingness to ensure that the needs of students, our programs and our department are met, and doing it all with a big smile, positive attitude, and happy decorations on her door J.
Jennifer, congratulations for receiving EDST Citizen Award – February 2022!
Message from the Head
Welcome to Educational Studies (EDST)!
The Department of Educational Studies (EDST) is home to six program areas: Counseling and Development; Gifted, Creative, and Talented Studies; Educational Leadership and Policy Studies; Educational Psychology and Research Methodology; Special Education; and Online Special Education. EDST is also home to the Purdue Counseling and Guidance Center (PCGC), the Gifted Education Research and Resource Institute (GER2I), and the Purdue University Psychometric Investigation Lab (PUPIL).
Our mission is to discover and develop human potential in diverse learning environments through excellence in research, teaching, and engagement. We pride ourselves in preparing students for positions as university professors, researchers, special education professionals, educational administrators and leaders, counseling psychologists, and testing, measurement, and evaluation specialists. Our graduates work in schools, higher education, and private industry.
Welcome to Purdue and the Department of Educational Studies! My door is always open if you have questions or concerns. The main EDST office is on the fifth floor of Beering Hall, Room 5108.
Christine Kiracofe
Department Head
Featured Faculty
Dr. Beverly Nichols
Dr. Beverly Nichols is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Applied Behavior Analysis in the Department of Educational Studies.
Read more about Dr. Beverly Nichols
Why did you choose a career at Purdue’s College of Education?
I appreciate the focus on teaching, mentorship, and service that clinical faculty have at Purdue. One of the main reasons I pursued a PhD was to be able to influence the field of behavior analysis through teaching and mentoring future behavior analysts. Also, a very good friend of mine is a clinical assistant professor here and it is always nice to be going somewhere you know you’ll have a friend.
Describe a research or project you have completed.
My dissertation investigated whether or not visual supports – scripts, generic picture cues, etc. – are a necessary component of script training and fading procedures when teaching play commenting to autistic preschoolers. I wanted to investigate this because scripts and other visual supports can be difficult to fade out and may be stigmatizing for those using them. All of the participants required the introduction of a visual support – generic picture cue – to increase their play commenting indicating that visual supports are a necessary component. Additionally, a master’s student in our lab replicated my study and found similar results. We are currently working on writing up the experiments into one paper.
Are there any recent or forthcoming publications you are excited about?
While not super recent, I have enjoyed integrating the paper I collaborated on about the internal validity of multiple baseline designs into my single-case research design class. It was fun getting to hear my student’s perspective on the paper!
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not conducting research?
I enjoy getting outside for walks (I’ve really enjoyed the trails at the Celery Bog), reading for fun, and playing games.
Featured Graduate Student
Fan Cao
Fan Cao is a first-year PhD student studying special education in the Department of Educational Studies.
Read more about Fan Cao
Where are you from, and what did you do prior to your PhD program?
I am from China. Before starting my PhD, I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Soochow University and my Master’s degree from Tongji University.
Why did you choose Purdue and your area of concentration?
I chose Purdue because it is an internationally renowned university with rich academic resources. My focus is on special education, particularly using technology to support students with autism and learning disabilities.
What are your areas of research interests? What led to your interest in these areas?
My research interests are in educational technology, specifically in applying it to special education. My interest in these areas stems from a desire to help students with autism and learning disabilities.
Tell us about your prior research experience?
Yes, my previous research has centered on educational technology, exploring how it can enhance learning experiences for students.
Where do you hope to be in five years?
In 5 years, I hope to be in Indiana, successfully working toward completing my degree in the United States.
What advice do you have for other new fellow graduate student researchers?
Take full advantage of the resources at Purdue and stay focused on your research goals.