Patton researchers investigate how people learn and how educators and other professionals can be prepared to support meaningful learning across diverse settings. This work spans teacher education, literacy, STEM, science, and mathematics education, clinical preparation, inclusive practices, professional learning, and curriculum innovation. Faculty develop and evaluate instructional approaches that promote critical thinking, equitable learning opportunities, and professional excellence while strengthening the preparation and ongoing development of educators and human service professionals.
Patton Research Nexus
Patton Research Nexus
The Patton College of Education advances interdisciplinary research that builds the human and community capacity needed to create thriving schools, healthy communities, sustainable futures, and opportunities for all. Our faculty work across education, counseling, leadership, recreation and leisure studies, consumer sciences, technology, and community engagement to generate knowledge, develop innovative practices, and strengthen the systems and environments that support individuals and communities across the lifespan. Together, these interconnected areas of expertise form the Patton Research Nexus—our collective capacity to address complex educational and societal challenges through collaborative, evidence-based research. Across the Nexus, commitments to equity, access, and opportunity; interdisciplinary collaboration; community and global engagement; and evidence-informed improvement shape how we conduct research and translate knowledge into meaningful impact.
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Teaching, Learning & Professional Preparation
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Human Development, Health & Wellbeing
Patton researchers examine the social, emotional, cognitive, and developmental factors that shape health, wellbeing, and quality of life across the lifespan. Drawing from counseling, human development, education, recreation and leisure studies, and related fields, this work explores mental health and resilience, healthy relationships, disability and inclusion, physical activity, and the role of recreation, leisure, outdoor experiences, and restorative environments in supporting individual and community wellbeing. Faculty partner with schools, families, healthcare and human service providers, and community organizations to develop practices and environments that support people in living healthy, connected, and meaningful lives.
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Climate, Sustainability & Environmental Futures
Patton researchers explore how education can foster environmental understanding, sustainability, and community resilience. Through place-based education, climate literacy, outdoor learning, environmental identity, sustainable consumer behavior, food systems, and community partnerships, faculty investigate how individuals and organizations develop the knowledge, values, and agency needed to address environmental challenges and create more sustainable futures.
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Leadership, Policy & Educational Improvement
Faculty investigate how educational organizations can become more effective, equitable, and responsive to changing societal needs. Research addresses leadership development, organizational learning, educational policy, higher education, implementation, and continuous improvement. Through collaboration with schools, universities, and community organizations, researchers develop evidence that informs decision-making, strengthens institutions, and supports systemic change.
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Digital Innovation, AI & Learning Technologies
Researchers examine how emerging technologies transform teaching, learning, communication, and professional practice. This work includes instructional technology, artificial intelligence, online learning, digital literacy, educational games, simulations, language learning technologies, and technology-enhanced professional preparation. Faculty study both the opportunities and ethical considerations associated with designing inclusive, innovative, and evidence-informed digital learning environments.
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Community, Rural & Regional Partnerships
Patton researchers investigate how people, organizations, and communities work together to strengthen educational opportunity, quality of life, and regional vitality, with particular expertise in rural and Appalachian contexts. Grounded in reciprocal partnerships with schools, community organizations, businesses, agencies, and other regional partners, this work encompasses rural education, community-engaged scholarship, recreation and leisure, tourism and hospitality, workforce development, food systems, and school-community collaboration. Faculty examine local strengths and challenges, build collaborative capacity, and develop place-responsive approaches that contribute to thriving, resilient communities and broader educational and social innovation.
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Research Methods, Evaluation & Evidence-Based Improvement
Patton researchers develop and apply rigorous methodologies that strengthen educational research and improve practice. Faculty contribute expertise in quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, implementation science, educational measurement, and program evaluation while supporting collaborative research across the college and with external partners. This capability enhances the quality, credibility, and impact of research throughout the Patton Research Nexus.