New Project AFIRM-AI written on dark blue background with conceptual image in background of human profile made from polygon
February 19, 2026
Recognizing the long-standing gap between research and classroom practice in special education, researchers at the UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute have launched “Integrating AI and Evidence-Based Practices to Enhance Postsecondary Special Educators’ Preparation for Supporting Autistic Students.”
Jani Kozlowski stands outside building in Kyoto, Japan
February 16, 2026
How does the learning environment foster a sense of belonging for every child? How does a teacher’s silence empower a child’s voice? These questions guided a recent site study in Japan, where FPG's Jani Kozlowski, partnered with Ryutaro Shintani, an assistant professor at Women’s College of Liberal Arts in Kyoto.
Dorothy Espelage
February 9, 2026
UNC School of Education faculty members Dorothy Espelage and Marisa Marraccini, in collaboration with Nationwide Children’s Hospital and additional partners, will lead NC efforts in a groundbreaking study aimed at reducing adolescent suicide-related risk through school-based prevention programs. Espelage is a faculty fellow at FPG.
FPG Investigator Spotlight: Ximena Franco Jenkins
February 5, 2026
Ximena Franco-Jenkins is a Senior Research Scientist at FPG and Co-Director of FPG's National Implementation Research Network. With more than 20 years of experience in research evaluation and implementation science, her work focuses on high-quality dual language programs, enhancing socio-emotional and academic outcomes for multilingual learners, and improving early childhood education quality.
McKinney Scholars Program logo with three leaves on white background with carolina blue border
February 3, 2026
The McKinney Scholars Program, a 9-week paid summer internship, at the UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute is now accepting applications for its 2026 summer cohort—the application deadline is Friday, February 27, 2026, at 5:00 pm.
Brianne Tomaszewski
January 29, 2026
A new article from UNC highlights how Brianne Tomaszewski, a faculty fellow at the UNC Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute and assistant professor in the UNC School of Medicine’s psychiatry department and Carolina’s TEACCH Autism Program, goes the extra mile to help new moms prioritize their well-being.