Two College of Education faculty members were recently recognized for their exceptional research.

Special Education Associate Professor Seth King, and Higher Education and Student Affairs Professor Sherry Watt and the Multicultural Initiatives Research Team, received 2023 Meritorious Research Awards from the College of Education.

King’s work focuses on the use of evidence-based practices for children with disabilities and professional preparation practices for special educators. Dr. King has experience in both evaluating and conducting single-case and group design research. His work also involves the use of virtual reality in professional development. King assumed responsibility for creating and coordinating the University of Iowa’s applied behavior analysis program in 2019.

Watt is the founder of The Being Institute and a facilitator prepared by the Center for Courage & Renewal. She is the co-editor of “The Theory of Being: Practices for Transforming Self and Communities Across Difference” (May 2022). She is currently the associate editor for book reviews for the Journal of College Student Development. Watt also has more than 30 years of experience in, researching, designing and leading educational experiences that involve strategies to engage participants in dialogue that is meaningful, passionate, and self-awakening. Watt and her research team, the Multicultural Initiatives Research Team, are working together on research and practice that support “ways of being” in difficult dialogues that inspires thoughtful and humanizing action.

The awards were presented at the College of Education Spring Faculty and Staff meeting and carry a stipend of $1,000.