Research That Makes a Difference
What if research could change the way we understand learning, development, and the systems that shape people’s lives? At BU Wheelock, researchers ask bold questions and turn discovery into action—advancing knowledge and creating solutions that improve outcomes for children, youth, families, and communities.
Our research spans the many factors that shape how people learn, grow, and thrive, with work across education, human development, psychology, mental health, social policy, disability, learning sciences, and equity. From classrooms and neighborhoods to health, education, and public policy, our researchers explore complex challenges and examine both individual experiences and the larger systems that influence opportunity and outcomes.
But research at BU Wheelock doesn’t stop at discovery. Through community-engaged research, innovative approaches, and partnerships with schools, organizations, and communities, researchers translate knowledge into practice and help inform policies and programs. Students can be part of this work, too—conducting research alongside faculty mentors, contributing to research centers and labs, and exploring questions that turn curiosity into meaningful impact.
What Are We Researching?
BU Wheelock researchers are tackling some of the most urgent issues in education and human development. They conduct innovative studies in subjects that range from teacher workforce to remote learning to cyberbullying to mental health supports and more. They also prioritize continuously developing the capacity for faculty, research staff, and doctoral students to become the next generation of outstanding and influential researchers.
- Promoting Healthy Development
- Strengthening Schools
- Building Partnerships
- Expanding Literacy and Language
- Bridging Education and the Workforce
- Transforming Systems for Impact
Read more about this work in our Research Spotlight or check out our Scholarly News to read more about faculty books, journal articles, awards, and presentations. You can also browse this list of BU Wheelock faculty publications.
Browse BU Wheelock research
All by Areas of Interest Faculty by Area of Interest Faculty by Principal Investigator
Student Research
Working with BU Wheelock faculty, both graduate and undergraduate students have the opportunity to gain valuable experience as researchers both within BU Wheelock and in the wider Boston University community. Students receive the highest quality of research and doctoral training, and have access to research-related employment and funding. Learn more about students and BU Wheelock research.