Tolani Britton named William T. Grant Foundation Scholar
BSE News and Events
P. David Pearson elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Pearson, a leading expert in literacy research, was elected along with six other UC Berkeley faculty. He began his career as an elementary school teacher—a grounding that has informed his commitment to research that matters for practice. This recognition adds to an extraordinary set of honors, including the American Educational Research Association Distinguished Contributions to Research in Education Award (2010); election as a Fellow of AERA (2009); and election to the National Academy of Education (2003).
New faculty spotlight: Kristin Keane
Assistant Professor Kristin Keane explores multimodal reading to support improved literacy outcomes. She joined the BSE faculty in early 2026.
Alumna Maureen Orth B.A. Political Science ‘64 establishes program for undergrads to work in Colombia
A former Peace Corp volunteer and award-winning journalist, Orth has come full circle in combining her love of Berkeley and providing educational opportunities in Colombia. The Marina Orth Foundation (MOF) Scholars program allows students to spend four weeks teaching English, leadership, robotics, and other STEM disciplines. The program is a partnership with Orth, BSE, and the Social Sciences Career Readiness Internship Program (SSCRIP) in the Division of Social Sciences.
BSE inFocus: Ratih Ayu Apsari
What do Balinese dancing and geometrical proof have in common? Turns out that in both of these seemingly disparate practices, we imagine lines to solve the common problem of perceptually engaging the environment to perform sensorimotor tasks. Watch this video spotlighting doctoral student Ratih Ayu Apsari, whose research explores a new way of teaching geometry.
$500,000 UC-HBCU grant supports undergraduate pathway to doctoral studies
This historic grant, led by BSE Associate Professors Travis J. Bristol and Tolani Britton, marks a significant step in expanding opportunities for HBCU students to engage with UC Berkeley faculty and research programs. The funding will support a seven-week immersive summer research experience for six undergraduate students from Morehouse College and Talladega College, for a total of 18 fellows over three years. Fellows will gain hands-on research experience, mentorship, and preparation for Ph.D. programs in education and the social sciences.
BSE hosts top UC Berkeley officials to discuss college admissions, the need for more collaboration between TK-12 and higher education
“Our institutions benefit – and the public we serve benefits – when we communicate, collaborate, and support one another. Let's commit to doing even more of that today,” UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons told the gathering.