Category: Faculty


Read stories related to faculty experts at UConn’s Neag School of Education.

Pandemic-Related School Closings Likely to Have Far-Reaching Effects on Child Well-Being

February 9, 2022

“A global analysis has found that kids whose schools closed to stop the spread of various waves of the coronavirus lost educational progress and are at increased risk of dropping out of school. As a result, the study says, they will earn less money from work over their lifetimes than they would have if schools had remained open,” says Sandra Chafouleas, a UConn Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor of Educational Psychology.


Education Secretary Miguel Cardona Says ‘Kids Can’t Suffer Anymore’ After Tumultuous Year

February 9, 2022

“Somehow, during that relatively short period of time, in early Covid, he put Connecticut on the map — and before you know it, he’s a potential candidate for secretary of education,” said Robert Villanova, an education professor at the University of Connecticut’s Neag School of Education. “His aspirations are nothing but pure. I would guess that during his time as commissioner, becoming secretary of education was his last thought.”



Open Choice Expansion to Danbury and Norwalk is Hobbled by Suburban Buy-in

February 4, 2022

The expansion of a program to allow urban students in Danbury and Norwalk to attend suburban schools in Fairfield County has met a variety of challenges as the wealthier surrounding towns debate whether to enroll the students. In 2021, the state legislature set aside $1.175 million over two years to expand Open Choice – a program that currently serves children in Bridgeport, New Haven and Hartford – to include Danbury and Norwalk.


Meet the Researcher: Linda Pescatello, CAHNR

February 4, 2022

When Linda Pescatello began her career as an exercise science researcher, the field was a marginal part of the medical sciences. Over the course of her decades-long commitment to continual learning and research, Pescatello’s work has risen to prominence, making her an internationally recognized expert in exercise prescription and post-exercise hypotension.


Athlete holds up sign next to Olympic Rings.

Olympic Athletes: 5 Questions America Needs to Ask About Athlete Activism

February 4, 2022

Recently, UConn Today spoke with Eli Wolff, Neag School of Education Sport Management instructor and sport and human rights expert. Wolff offers his perspective on how and why athletes are being silenced, what they can do to combat this, and ultimately, what needs to shift to allow athletes to perform their job, but also exercise their right to free expression.



Faculty and staff look at a presentation poster.

Neag School Accolades: January 2022

January 21, 2022

Congratulations to our Neag School alumni, faculty, staff, and students on their continued accomplishments inside and outside the classroom. If you have an accolade to share, we want to hear from you! Please send any news items and story ideas to neag-communications@uconn.edu. In addition to the Dean’s Office and Department achievements, explore this edition’s Accolades from the following: Faculty/Staff; Alumni; Students; as well as In Memoriam.


People attending school board meeting holding signs.

3 Tasks You Should Be Prepared to Do Before You Run for School Board

January 21, 2022

“As a former school board member – and as a researcher who studies educational leadership and policy – I find it worrisome when polarizing issues generate so much attention from candidates,” says Casey Cobb, Neag Professor of Educational Policy at the Neag School of Education. “The reason I worry is that I know from firsthand experience that being an effective school board member is never just about taking a stance on a few hot-button topics. Rather, it’s about much broader issues, such as meeting the educational needs of all students in the school district.”


Brain graphic with gears.

Exploring Fluctuations of Attention During Science Learning

January 21, 2022

Davidesco, an assistant professor in the Neag School of Education, is the recipient of an NSF Early Career Development (CAREER) Program award. This prestigious grant supports the research of early-career faculty who demonstrate remarkable potential to become leaders in their field. Additionally, the award seeks to support projects that actively engage students and the community.