Research in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
Research is an important part of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. Students and faculty work together to conduct research on a wide variety of topics in laboratories and classrooms. Faculty in CEBS use a variety of methods to investigate questions relevant to counseling, education, leadership, and psychology.
CEBS Policies for Research

Student Research
All CEBS departments have opportunities for student involvement in research, and some offer course credit for research activities. With the help of faculty, students who conduct research in CEBS:
- Help design and plan research studies
- Collect data from adult and child research participants
- Analyze data and test hypotheses
- Present research findings at local, national, and international conferences
- Publish research findings in peer-reviewed academic journals
WKU students can apply for a $3000 Faculty Undergraduate Student Engagement (FUSE) grant to support their research! See the FUSE website for more information. Visit WKU Student Research for additional information on student funding opportunities.
These resources can guide faculty in their mentorship of undergraduate researchers:
How to Engage Undergraduates in Research
Salient Practices of Undergraduate Resources
Engaging Undergraduates in Publishable Research: Best Practices
Authorship Guidelines for Collaborative Scholarly Products with Students
Interested in joining the Council on Undergraduate Research? Membership is FREE for WKU faculty and students. Click here for instructions on how to join.
Additional resources to support undergraduate research are available through the WKU Office of Research and Creative Activity.
Student Funding Opportunities
WKU has funding available to support students who are conducting and presenting research, including the Faculty Student Undergraduate Engagement (FUSE) program. FUSE grants provide funding for undergraduate students to conduct research and present their findings at a national conference. FUSE funds can also be used to support faculty travel to accompany FUSE students to their national conference presentations.
Funding opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students are available through various university and departmental mechanisms. For more information, visit WKU Student Research and The Office of Sponsored Programs.
Faculty Funding Opportunities
WKU’s Research and Creative Activities Program (RCAP) is an internal mechanism for funding faculty research. Two levels of funding ($8,000 and $16,000) are available. See the RCAP website for important due dates and seminar schedules. Contact Jenni Redifer or The Office of Sponsored Programs for more information.
CEBS Quick Turn Around Grant (QTAG) funds are awards of up to $3000 to support critical and immediate research needs. Full-time faculty and instructors are eligible for QTAG funds, which must be spent within 90 days of the award date. See the QTAG FAQ or contact Jenni Redifer for more information.
The Office of Sponsored Programs can help faculty find external funding opportunities! Sign up to be notified of opportunities relevant to your interests here.
Faculty Member |
Department |
Research Areas |
Methodologies used |
Education Leadership Doctoral Program |
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Teacher Education, Leadership & Professional Studies |
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Psychology |
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Research webpage: |
Psychology |
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Counseling & Student Affairs |
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Teacher Education |
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Leadership & Professional Studies |
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Counseling & Student Affairs |
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Psychology |
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Research webpage: |
Leadership & Professional Studies |
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Teacher Education |
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Research website: |
Psychology |
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Teacher Education |
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Teacher Education |
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Teacher Education |
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Psychology |
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Teacher Education |
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Psychology |
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Oigara, James Research webpage: |
Teacher Education |
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Research website: |
Teacher Education |
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Psychology |
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Teacher Education |
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Counseling & Student Affairs |
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Psychology |
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Research webpage: |
Psychology |
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Teacher Education |
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Counseling & Student Affairs |
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Teacher Education |
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Teacher Education |
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Teacher Education |
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Tarbett, Leslee |
Teacher Education |
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Research webpage: |
Teacher Education |
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Psychology |
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Teacher Education |
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Research webpage: |
Psychology |
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Teacher Education |
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Psychology |
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For additional information about our research, see the faculty profiles in Counseling & Student Affairs, Educational Administration, Leadership, & Research, the Educational Leadership Doctoral Program, Psychology, and Teacher Education. To learn more about research collaboration opportunities in the College of Education & Behavioral Sciences, contact Jenni Redifer, Assistant to the Dean for Research.
CONTACT THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
Office of the Dean
College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
1906 College Heights Blvd. #11030,
Bowling Green, KY 42101-1030
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