LSU Doctoral Candidate Receives Distinguished STEM Research-in-Progress Award
BATON ROUGE — Louisiana State University Lutrill & Pearl Payne School of Education doctoral candidate and LSU Early Childhood Education Institute Graduate Fellow, Melissa Johnson, has been named the recipient of the Mid-South Educational
Research Association’s (MSERA) Clifford Hofwolt Distinguished Research-in-Progress
Award for STEM-Related Inquiry.
Johnson received the honor for her developing dissertation study, Supporting STEM Engagement in Toddler Classrooms Through Environmental Modification, which examines how early learning environments influence young children’s natural curiosity, exploration, and engagement in STEM-related play. The goal of presenting is for doctoral students to receive feedback from faculty and build a network of doctoral student support.
The Research-in-Progress (RiP) Awards recognize emerging scholars whose ongoing studies demonstrate strong theoretical foundations, innovative methodology, and potential contributions to education research. Johnson’s work focuses on toddlers—an often-overlooked age group in early STEM research—and aims to deepen understanding of how physical spaces can foster inquiry-based learning from the earliest years.
“This recognition means so much because it highlights the importance of starting STEM learning early,” said Johnson. “Toddlers are natural scientists—when we intentionally design environments that nurture their curiosity, we open the door to lifelong exploration.”
Doctoral student participation in events like the MSERA Research-in-Progress presentations is important because it provides a supportive venue to practice sharing emerging research, receive constructive feedback before finalizing their studies, and build confidence in scholarly communication. It also helps students expand their professional network, strengthen their CVs, and demonstrate ongoing engagement in their field—key expectations for competitive academic and professional careers.[2] Faculty and doctoral students can get involved in MSERA by visiting their website.
The award was presented at the 2025 MSERA Annual Meeting, held this year in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The Mid-South Educational Research Association (MSERA), founded in 1972, is dedicated to improving education through research and scholarship across the southern United States. The Clifford Hofwolt Award for STEM Inquiry is given annually to one graduate student whose in-progress research contributes meaningfully to STEM education.
About the LSU Lutrill & Pearl Payne School of Education
A school of the LSU College of Human Sciences & Education, the Lutrill & Pearl Payne
School of Education (SOE) offers undergraduate programs for students who want to pursue
a career as a pre-kindergarten through 12th grade teacher or acquire dual certification
in both traditional elementary and special education classrooms. In addition, SOE
offers 3 graduate certificates, 17 master’s degree program areas, 9 EdS certificate
programs, and 2 PhD degrees in 11 areas of focus. SOE’s focus is not only on preparing
highly qualified teachers but also in preparing educational leaders, curriculum studies
scholars, educational technology experts, applied researchers, higher education professionals,
school counselors, and clinical mental health counselors. SOE specializes scholarly
expertise regarding pressing educational and wellness issues across the entire lifespan.
Visit the LSU Lutrill & Pearl Payne School of Education website.
About the College of Human Sciences & Education
The College of Human Sciences & Education (CHSE) is a nationally accredited division
of Louisiana State University. The college is comprised of the School of Education,
the School of Information Studies, the School of Kinesiology, the School of Leadership
& Human Resource Development, and the School of Social Work. CHSE has two model demonstration
schools, the Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool, enrolling birth to age
four and the University Laboratory School enrolling Kindergarten through grade 12.
The college also has four centers and institutes: the Early Childhood Education Institute,
the Healthy Aging Research Center, the Leadership Development Institute, and Social
Research & Evaluation Center. The college is committed to achieving the highest standards
in teaching, research, and service and aims to improve quality of life across the
lifespan.
Visit the College of Human Sciences & Education website
About the Early Childhood Education Institute (ECEI)
The Early Childhood Education Institute (ECEI) at LSU is an umbrella organization
to promote research and disseminate recommended practices in early childhood care
and education. ECEI is focused holistically on the early years and fills a unique
niche by targeting birth through age three. The institute develops expert care practitioners
who deliver high-quality early childhood programming, engage in research practices,
and advocate for the profession. ECEI focuses on research, education, and outreach
and is housed within LSU's College of Human Sciences & Education.
Visit the Early Childhood Education Institute website
Contact
Kylie Cogburn
Program Coordinator - Early Childhood Education Institute
kcogburn@lsu.edu