Two Spartans earn top dissertation fellowships in education

June 23, 2026 - 18:47

Two doctoral students from Michigan State University have been awarded prestigious Dissertation Fellowships from the National Academy of Education and the Spencer Foundation. The fellowships are given each year to a small, handpicked group of doctoral candidates whose research shows strong potential to advance the field of education.

The two Spartans, whose names were announced by the university this week, will each receive significant funding to complete their dissertation projects. The Spencer Foundation and the National Academy of Education have a long history of supporting early-career scholars who tackle complex questions in education, from classroom practice to policy and equity.

The fellowship program is highly competitive. It aims to identify the next generation of researchers who can bring fresh thinking to persistent challenges in schools and other learning environments. For the two Michigan State students, the award provides not only financial support but also a network of mentors and peers who are working on similar issues.

Both recipients are expected to finish their doctoral work within the next year. Their research covers topics that are central to current debates in education, including how to improve outcomes for underserved students and how to better prepare teachers for diverse classrooms. The university has a strong track record of producing education researchers, and these fellowships add to that reputation.