Kudos: Zhai publishes book; Lewis Ellison participates in 2024 NAEd annual meeting; Alumna wins SACSA dissertation award

Zhai publishes book

Xiaoming Zhai, an associate professor in the Department of Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies Education, published a new book, “Uses of Artificial Intelligence in STEM Education” (Oxford University Press), in October. The book is the result of a National Science Foundation-funded project at UGA in 2022 and marks a significant milestone in the field.

This new book offers a comprehensive dive into the integration of artificial intelligence within STEM education; meticulously curated, drawing from leading experts in the fields of AI and STEM education, ensuring authoritative and up-to-date insights; celebrates the transformative potential of AI in STEM, while also delving into the challenges, ethical considerations, and potential pitfalls.

Lewis Ellison participates in 2024 NAEd annual meeting

Tisha Lewis Ellison, an associate professor in the Department of Language and Literacy Education, served as a chair, panelist, and discussant at the 2024 National Academy of Education (NAEd) Annual Meeting and Fall Retreat, held from Oct. 23-26 in Washington, DC. In these roles, she made significant contributions to the professional development of NAEd dissertation and postdoctoral fellows.

The retreat, supported by NAEd members as well as current Spencer postdoctoral and dissertation fellows, featured networking opportunities, small group discussions, and plenary sessions. A 2015-16 NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Fellow, Lewis Ellison served as a NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Mentor (2023-24) and Dissertation Fellowship Reviewer (2023).

Alumna wins SACSA 2024 Dissertation of the Year Award

Wanda Johnson (Ed.D. ’23), a graduate of the College’s student affairs leadership program, won the Southern Association for College Student Affairs (SACSA) 2024 Dissertation of the Year Award for her dissertation, “Still, I Rise…Using Sista Circles to Explore the Lived Experiences of Black Women Who Attend(ed) Historically White Institutions as Undergraduates.”