Inspiring the Next Generation of Education Researchers

ETS scientist Jessica Andrews-Todd facilitated the Young Scientists Institute, where she helped students explore pathways into education research careers.

By Jessica Andrews-Todd

This spring, I had the opportunity to facilitate a week-long Young Scientists Institute (YSI) at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). The institute is part of the IES-funded UTSA Pathways to the Education Sciences Research Training Program—designed to give undergraduate students hands-on experience in education research and support their journey toward doctoral study and careers in research.

Throughout the year-long program, student fellows from across disciplines receive training in education research, conduct research alongside a UTSA faculty mentor, and get support as they prepare graduate school applications. Mentorship and exposure to ETS researchers also give students a valuable glimpse into life beyond the classroom.

Here’s what happened during the YSI experience —and why it matters.

Students received guidance on crafting a strong CV and research statement and practiced discussing their research interests with peers and professionals. They also participated in a variety of hands-on activities, including

• a guided scavenger hunt to explore graduate programs and career opportunities,
• a collaborative activity to identify threats to validity in research studies, and
• a group exercise to design both a quantitative and qualitative study.

These activities gave students a tool kit of skills they can carry forward into graduate school and beyond.

One of the highlights of the YSI was a set of panel discussions with research professionals and assessment specialists from ETS. I noted a shared excitement between the students and the panelists, and it was truly inspiring witnessing the students challenging ideas, seeking clarity, and starting to envision their own paths. The students were engaged, inquisitive, and excited to connect, asking panelists questions such as these:

• What’s your best advice for applying to graduate school?
• Can you work while attending grad school?
• What was your experience in grad school?
• What’s your take on test-optional policies?
• How do you even begin to design an assessment?

Panelists shared their journeys to ETS, described their current work, and offered honest, practical advice. The conversations sparked inspiration and helped demystify what a career in education research might look like.

They say the best way to learn something is to teach it—and I found that to be true during the YSI.

Guiding students through these activities and
conversations deepened my own understanding of
what early career researchers need most.

The students’ energy and curiosity were contagious throughout the YSI, and they were especially engaged during the panels—a good sign that programs like this can play a meaningful role in inspiring the next generation of researchers.

What’s next? I continue to mentor fellows as they navigate graduate school applications. As part of the ETS-UTSA partnership, two students will be selected to participate in a summer internship at ETS, where they’ll be matched with a researcher to co-lead a research project. Through this program, they’ll take their first steps toward research careers by participating in interdisciplinary training, professional development, and hands-on sessions that build practical skills in a supportive environment. As an ETS Research Institute scientist, I’m proud to support these emerging scholars—and equally inspired by all I continue to learn from their fresh perspectives.

Jessica Andrews-Todd is a managing senior research scientist at ETS. Her work explores the assessment and development of interpersonal skills such as collaborative problem solving and the use of digital environments to support student learning and assessment.