Research
Labs, assistantships, and capstone info
We encourage ESS students to get involved in research well before senior year. Here are tools to help you along the way.
Research Brochure
A list of professors, their disciplines, and research interests
Choosing an Advisor
Tips for finding and reaching out to a faculty advisor
ESS Thesis Proposal
For juniors planning to write an ESS Thesis or Thesis in Major (due April 15)
ESS Capstone and Thesis FAQs
To help you decide which research option to pursue and why
Frabutt Prize for Outstanding Education Research in the Community
The Frabutt Prize annually recognizes the most outstanding education research project by a graduating senior working with a Fellow or Affiliate from the Institute for Educational Initiatives. Nominated projects are evaluated for their significance, originality, independence, and ability to address a specific community concern.
2025
- Tavin Martin and St. Francis Academy
- The Role of Identity Resources for Learning Trajectories of Emergent Bilinguals in a Low-income, Catholic Middle School
2024
- Kaylah Staknis with Partners: Maker Spaces at Marshall Traditional School, Kennedy Academy, and Swanson Traditional School
- Evaluating the Elements of Effective Character Education in High School Army JROTC
2023
- Maddie McBride with Partners: Maker Spaces at Marshall Traditional School, Kennedy Academy, and Swanson Traditional School
- Title: The “Makings” of Elementary School Makerspaces
2022
- Kate Morse and SBCSC District Office and Riley High School
- Examining the Effects of COVID-19 on Student Participation and Performance on the 2020 AP STEM Exams
2021
- Julian Bonds and Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School
- The Color of the Canon: The Representation of African-American Students in Prominent High School English Texts
2020
- Paige Curley and Holy Cross Grade School
- Canon, Curricula, and Classrooms: The Power of Multicultural Latino/a Literature in English Education
2019
- Katie Ward and the American Indian Catholic Schools Network
- The Formation of Catholic Identity and Character in Native American Catholic Schools
2018
- Moira Stotz and Muessel Primary
- “To teach in a way that gives opportunities to all my students”: Elementary Teacher Perceptions of Teaching for Social Justice
2017
- Daara Jalili and Washington High School
- The Efficacy of Culturally Responsive Pedagogy in Cultivating Positive Student-Teacher Relationships
2016
- Madeline Hahn and St. Adalbert’s School
- Which Classroom is Best? A Comparative Study of Spanish Classes for Heritage Language Learners
Questions? Contact Fr. Kevin Sandberg, CSC, Ph.D., ESS Director of Undergraduate Studies
ksandberg@nd.edu | Phone 574.631.4517