Explore by Topic
Take a look at a few of the areas where our research, practice and service meet.
Knowledge to Impact
At UVA EHD, our faculty and students reach across boundaries to do interdisciplinary work that makes a real difference in people's lives.
Whether it's in our research labs, our academic classrooms, or out in the world, everyone in the EHD community shares a common goal: to make the world a better place through education and human development. With that goal in mind, we're breaking down silos to solve some of the most challenging problems facing our society today.
These collaborations and partnerships are what make it possible for us to support families with groundbreaking autism research, turn around struggling school districts, bring the science of reading into classrooms, and so much more.
Artificial Intelligence and Technology
From classroom robotics to craniofacial imaging, UVA EHD experts are at the forefront of integrating technology and artificial intelligence ethically, inclusively, and effectively into education and research.
Autism and Neuroscience
At UVA EHD, we lead groundbreaking research on how children’s brains develop and learn, advancing the science of autism and pioneering innovative approaches to care, support, and education.
Early Childhood Education
The early years of a child’s education are among the most critical for learning and development. From training early childhood teachers to cultivating partnerships across Virginia and beyond, UVA EHD is deeply engaged in how to improve education for our littlest learners.
Education Policy and Leadership
Education leaders, administrators and policymakers have the opportunity – and the responsibility – to shape the future of our educational systems and the students within them. We are cultivating leaders who are up to that challenge.
Literacy
At EHD, we believe reading is a human right. Our faculty, staff and students are working to unite research, practice, and policy so that all children, in Virginia and beyond, have access to evidence-based literacy instruction.
Movement and Physical Health
UVA EHD experts are advancing research and practice in movement and physical health across the lifespan — from sports injury and exercise science to nutrition, speech, and hearing — improving well-being at every stage of life.
Research Methods and Data Science
At UVA EHD, our faculty and scholars are advancing the science of research itself — driving innovation in open science, data analysis, and qualitative inquiry to generate knowledge that transforms education and improves lives.
School Mental Health
Through research-driven partnerships, accessible academic programs, and ongoing professional development, UVA EHD is equipping educators and school-based professionals to deliver effective, evidence-based mental health support for today’s students.
Teaching and Learning
Quality teaching and learning are at the core of everything we do at UVA EHD. We not only train the best teachers using the latest research on how students learn, we also evaluate educational innovations, partner with school divisions across the country, and much more.
Youth Development
Understanding curiosity and motivation, reimagining middle school, preventing youth violence and more — at UVA EHD, we are working to understand every facet of how young people become healthy, thriving adults.