Student Seeking Special Education Doctoral Degree Awarded Fellowship

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Xi Lan

Xi Lan, a Ph.D. student in the College of Education and Health Professions, was recently awarded a fellowship through the Southern Regional Education Board's State Doctoral Scholars Program.

The program is designed to provide financial support and mentorship opportunities for diverse Ph.D. students seeking careers as faculty members. Lan is pursuing a special education doctoral degree in the college's Department of Curriculum and Instruction. 

"Receiving the 2024 SREB Doctoral Scholar award is an incredible honor, and it will provide crucial support for my academic journey," she said.

Lan is currently conducting research in the college's Augmentative and Alternative Communication lab. The lab's mission is to improve communication for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who have limited speech. Providing tools and strategies to communicate more effectively, the AAC lab team aims to empower individuals with disabilities to make independent choices in their daily lives.

The SREB fellowship will allow Lan to continue research within her program that will contribute to creating a more inclusive and effective learning environment.

"With the support of the SREB fellowship, I will continue to integrate technology into educational practices, particularly focusing on developing AI-driven education tools that improve accessibility and outcomes for students with special needs," she said.  

The SREB fellowship is the next step in Lan's educational career, one that began with a degree in computer information. After being deeply motivated to address the needs of individuals in her community, Lan shifted her educational focus to Human Development Science and Special Education. She has not only earned a master's degree in special education from the University of Arkansas but also received her Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification.

The College of Education and Health Professions faculty, committed to promoting impactful research as part of the college's We Care strategic plan, encouraged Lan to pursue leadership roles in research, ultimately giving her the confidence to apply for the SREB award.  

Elizabeth Lorah, Lan's advisor and associate professor of inclusive educational and clinical programs, said the SREB scholarship will allow Lan to dedicate research time to the AAC Lab, enhancing the lab's reach to young learners with complex communication needs. 

"Xi's commitment to improving practices for young children with complex communication needs aligns with the values of our We Care culture," Lorah said.  

In addition to financial support and research opportunities, Lan also emphasized the critical role that mentorship, particularly for women Ph.D. students and faculty, has played in her academic journey. "Being a woman in academia presents unique challenges, and the guidance I have received from female faculty and mentors has been invaluable," she said. "Their support has empowered me to navigate academic life with confidence and pursue leadership roles. I believe it is essential that institutions continue to provide such support networks to ensure that more women can thrive in Ph.D. programs and beyond."

Receiving the SREB scholarship recognizes Lan's efforts in contributing to the field of special education. Lan said the recognition motivates her to excel in her studies and continue making meaningful contributions to the broader field of education and human development.