In terms of sponsored research, UTSA has reached the levels necessary to participate in the National Research University Fund as well as enter into the highest level of funded research, the Carnegie categorization of “Doctoral Universities – Highest Research Activity” or R1. The College of Education and Human Development (COEHD) has also been a vital part of these successes, with COEHD faculty consistently listed among UTSA researchers with the largest awards for sponsored research projects in the university.

The College of Education and Human Development stands out for its rich diversity within the university. Our faculty not only represent the widest range of gender, racial, and ethnic backgrounds at UTSA, but they also bring a diverse array of methodological expertise and research interests. COEHD faculty actively seek research funding to create innovative solutions to pressing educational and social issues. They leverage emerging technologies and cutting-edge pedagogies to make a meaningful impact. 

Our groundbreaking research opens up new opportunities for both students and faculty, encouraging the exploration of fresh ideas. By partnering with numerous school districts and community agencies in Bexar County, we strengthen our ties with the community and contribute to societal progress. COEHD faculty are dedicated to culturally-responsive and socially-relevant research, and their efforts have consistently attracted over five million dollars in external funding each year.

Emily Bonner, Ph.D.

Contact

Emily Bonner, Ph.D.

Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Affairs, Professor, C&I Co-Director, San Antonio Mathematics Collaborative

Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching

emily.bonner@utsa.edu

Research and Development Committee

Committee members represent each of the College’s six academic departments and the four Centers and Institutes (ATE, BOA-CAPRI-BHC, UEI, WSI), serving as vital liaisons to faculty regarding research-related matters. They are approachable and dedicated, providing a conduit for faculty and community stakeholders to share concerns or suggest improvements in the College’s research support infrastructure. Whether seeking guidance, raising issues, or proposing enhancements, faculty and stakeholders can connect with these committee members, the Associate Dean for Research, Dr. Emily Bonner, or the Senior Grant Development Manager, Iwan Notowidigdo. Through these collaborative interactions, we ensure our research environment remains supportive, responsive, and continually evolving.

The Research and Development (R&D) Committee at the College of Education and Human Development (COEHD) plays a pivotal role in supporting and assisting our vibrant community of educational researchers. As part of a Carnegie R1 very intensive research institution and a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) — or as we prefer, a Hispanic "Thriving" Institution — we recognize the immense potential of collaborative and inclusive research endeavors.

Research Visibility: Ensuring our research is highly visible is crucial for advancing knowledge and practice in education. By making our findings accessible and prominent, we enhance the impact of our work, inspire innovation, and attract further funding and collaboration opportunities.

Faculty Support: Providing robust support to our faculty is essential for fostering groundbreaking research. Offering resources, mentorship, and professional development helps our educators push the boundaries of knowledge, secure funding, and publish in esteemed journals.

Collaborations: Encouraging interdisciplinary and cross-institutional collaborations enriches our research landscape. Such partnerships allow us to tackle complex educational challenges with innovative solutions, reflecting the diverse expertise within our college.

Students as Researchers: Engaging students in research activities is vital for their academic and professional growth. Involving students in meaningful projects not only develops their critical skills but also cultivates the next generation of scholars and practitioners.

Attention to Diversity: Emphasizing diverse perspectives and inclusive methodologies in research is imperative. It ensures our studies address the needs of all communities, particularly within our culturally rich context as a Hispanic "Thriving" Institution.

In 2023-24, the R&D Committee was instrumental in navigating the transition from REDKE to the Office of Research and raising awareness of the Research Support Center’s shift into a College Research Administrators Team. This transformation was designed to strengthen our support infrastructure, enabling us as a college and university to better assist our faculty and students in their pursuit of research excellence.

Through our collective efforts as a professional learning community, we are determined to make a significant difference in the field of education. Together, we can achieve remarkable research outcomes that resonate within and beyond our academic community.