NE North Dakota News

The College of Education & Human Development (CHED) at the University of North Dakota recently held a research conference at the Memorial Union Ballroom, showcasing the research efforts of both faculty and graduate students. The event featured 87 research posters, 12 formal on-campus talks, seven online presentations, and three research award presentations. The showcased research demonstrates why the college recently entered the National Science Foundation’s Higher Education Research & Development survey’s Top 100.

Dean Shelbie Witte noted the event's significance, stating, “This is a world-class event right here in Grand Forks. It’s tremendous, not only in the size and scope of participants, but as well as the folks who have come from across campus to join in community to discuss research and to really emphasize the importance of research both in our college and at UND. It’s super exciting.”

Witte emphasized that researchers often work in isolation, and such conferences are an opportunity to present research to a broader audience, highlighting its impact on the local and broader communities.

Associate Dean Rob Stupnisky echoed Witte’s thoughts, highlighting the collaborative opportunities the conference presents. “There’s this stereotype of the lone wolf researcher, and a lot of times I’ve heard colleagues talk about students or other faculty members and say, ‘I didn’t know you did research on this or that.’ Well, here’s a chance where we can come together and learn a lot about what each other is doing,” Stupnisky said.

Among the honored researchers, Muhammad Salahuddin and Logan Rutten received awards for their contributions. Rutten expressed his gratitude, stating, “For me, it fuels the drive to continue this work with communities and in service to the public schools of our state. To be publicly recognized for that work among colleagues, students and community members is affirming.”

Rutten's work focuses on collaboration with schools and communities on significant local improvement efforts. One of his projects involves a culturally sustaining curriculum connected with the Navajo Nation, in partnership with Pennsylvania State University.

Salahuddin, originally from Bangladesh, collaborated with Stupnisky on research about faculty motivation, creating an assessment to measure research knowledge and skills. He aims to complete his dissertation and graduate with his doctorate later this year.

The conference highlighted the college's commitment to research that prepares professionals to nurture strong intellectual and compassionate capabilities, aligned with their vision.