About
Dr. Kristen E. Smigielski is a scholar of inclusive education, teacher preparation, and responsible artificial intelligence. She earned her Ph.D. in Curriculum, Instruction, and the Science of Learning from the University at Buffalo in 2025, along with an Advanced Certificate in Qualitative Methodology.
She currently serves as Research Project Manager for the Institute of Education Sciences–funded Center for Early Literacy and Responsible AI (CELaRAI) and Grants Specialist in the Office of Research in the University at Buffalo Graduate School of Education. In these roles, she leads strategic engagement and research operations for CELaRAI, a $10 million multi-institutional research center spanning six universities, while also supporting proposal development and research funding initiatives across the Graduate School of Education. Her work includes coordinating national-scale research initiatives, managing cross-institutional collaborations, overseeing multi-year budgets and sub-awards, and developing communication and partnership systems that advance responsible AI, early literacy, and educational equity.
Kristen’s research examines how in-service educators’ social-emotional learning (SEL), emotional intelligence, and professional dispositions shape their ability to create inclusive, disability-affirming classrooms. Her work integrates social cognitive theory, disability studies, and qualitative inquiry to explore teachers’ identities, lived experiences, and preparation pathways. Through this work, she advocates for systemic reforms in teacher education that strengthen inclusive practice and promote equity and justice for students with disabilities. Her dissertation, “They Need Someone Who Believes in Them”: Fostering Equity for Students with Disabilities, is publicly available through ProQuest.
Her scholarship has appeared in Oxford University Press, the American Journal of Education Forum, the Cambridge Educational Research e-Journal, and Kappa Delta Pi’s Teacher Advocate, with additional chapters forthcoming in edited volumes from Springer and Taylor & Francis. She regularly reviews for leading journals and conferences, including The Urban Review, the Cambridge Educational Research e-Journal, the American Journal of Education Forum, and the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting.
Kristen has presented her research at national and international conferences including the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting, the SUNY AI Symposium, the Future Ready Maryland AI Summit, the University of South Florida Interdisciplinary Symposium on Qualitative Methodologies, the AI in Education Conference at Florida International University, and the NYSSMA Winter Conference. Her work explores themes such as disability-inclusive pedagogy, teachers’ emotional competencies, adaptive and embodied qualitative methodologies, AI-enabled teaching, and responsible AI in K–12 education. She has also been invited to speak and serve as a panelist on emerging issues in AI and education, including the SUNY AI Symposium and regional technology and education forums.
In recognition of her work at the intersection of AI, education, and ethics, Kristen was named a 2026 Women in AI Fellow through the EdSAFE AI Alliance. She has also been invited as a keynote speaker for the Western New York AI Summit and has participated in panels on AI, education, and workforce development.
In addition to her research and center leadership, Kristen served as an Adjunct Professor and Clinical Experience Coach in the University at Buffalo Graduate School of Education, where she teaches and mentors pre-service and resident educators. Her professional background includes K–8 teaching, curriculum development across multiple school districts, and extensive community and arts-based engagement.
Kristen is also committed to research community building. She serves on the American Educational Research Association (AERA) Qualitative Research SIG Mentoring Committee and previously served on the AERA Qualitative Research SIG Graduate Student Committee and the American Journal of Education Student Board. Through these roles she has supported graduate mentoring, scholarly writing groups, editorial work, and collaborative research initiatives. She is also a founding member and Research Committee Chair of the AI in Education Research Collective (AiERC).
Across her work in research, teaching, and national collaborations, Kristen focuses on bridging research and practice, designing inclusive educational systems, and advancing equity through responsible, human-centered approaches to teaching, learning, and emerging technologies.
Research: Inclusive education; disability and equity in education; teacher preparation; social-emotional learning in educators; intersectionality in education; AI and education.
Education
Dr. Kristen Smigielski holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum, Instruction and the Science of Learning (Elementary Education) from the University at Buffalo, along with a Certificate of Advanced Study in Qualitative Methodologies. Her academic training bridges education, research methodology, and the arts.
She also holds an Master of Science in Education: Childhood Education from Buffalo State University and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance (Choral Conducting concentration) from the University at Buffalo, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance from Buffalo State University.
Professional Teaching Certifications (New York State)
Professional Certification – Childhood Education (Grades 1–6)
Professional Certification – Early Childhood Education (Birth–Grade 2)
Professional Certification – Music (K–12)
Professional Development & Certifications
Kristen has completed advanced professional development across artificial intelligence, education leadership, instructional design, and professional communication, reflecting her interdisciplinary work at the intersection of teaching, research, and emerging technologies.
Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technologies
Lumen Circle Fellowship – Advanced Generative AI for Teaching and Learning, Lumen Learning
AI for Managers, Microsoft
AI, Business & the Future of Work, Lund University
Generative AI in Learning and Development, LinkedIn Learning
Designing Learning Experiences in the Metaverse, LinkedIn Learning
Education, Equity & Teaching Practice
Science of Reading Fundamentals, SUNY New Paltz
Leading for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education, University of Michigan
Transforming Education in an Interconnected World – Specialization with Honors, University of Michigan
Instructional Design & Learning Development
Agile Instructional Design, LinkedIn Learning
Instructional Design: Adult Learners, LinkedIn Learning
Leadership, Professional Skills & Project Management
People and Soft Skills for Professional and Personal Success – Specialization, IBM
Introduction to Project Management, IBM
Advanced Leadership Certification, National Society of Leadership and Success
Executive Leadership Certification, National Society of Leadership and Success
Music Pedagogy
PDLC Level 1 Elementary General Certificate, Gordon Institute of Music Learning
Selected Fellowships & Awards
Women in AI Fellow, EdSAFE AI Alliance, 2026
University at Buffalo Graduate School of Education Dean’s Student Award for the American Educational Research Association Conference, 2025
AERA Disability Studies in Education SIG Graduate Student Travel Grant, 2025
University at Buffalo Felix Infausto Scholarship, 2021-2025
Western New York Federation of Women’s Clubs Scholastic Award, 2022-2025
Marcella L. Kysilka Doctoral Student Scholarship, 2023-2024
University at Buffalo AERA GSE Dean’s Student Research Award, 2023-2024
University at Buffalo Shang-Lin Chung Student Award, 2023-2024
Women’s Club of Orchard Park Academic Scholarship, 2022-2023
Polish Arts Club of Buffalo Academic Scholarship, 2022-2023
Dean’s Scholarship for Academic and Inclusive Excellence, 2021-2022
Kappa Delta Pi First Year Teacher Grant, 2020-2021
University at Buffalo Opera Scholarship, 2016-2017
University at Buffalo Baird Scholarship, 2015-2016
University at Buffalo Harold Rosenbaum Scholarship, 2015-2016
Professional Service & Leadership
Kristen contributes actively to the research community through mentoring, editorial work, and professional service.
American Educational Research Association (AERA) – Qualitative Research SIG
Led the graduate student writing group and supported national mentoring initiatives.American Journal of Education – Student Board Member
Contributed editorial content, peer-reviewed submissions, and helped support the operations of the AJE Forum.United University Professions (UUP) – Contingents Committee
Served as adjunct faculty spokesperson advocating for equitable working conditions for contingent faculty.
Aurora Players Community Theater, 2022
Director for ProjectSTAGE Youth Summer Theater Camp
Directed 5th-10th grade students in a theater intensive and final production, emphasizing student-led creativity and performance. Collaborated with the community and families to foster engagement and support throughout the camp. Facilitated workshops that developed acting, stagecraft, and collaborative skills through hands-on learning.
University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY — Graduate School of Education, 2021-2022
Student Research Symposium Committee Member
Collaborated on planning and executing the Graduate School of Education's annual Student Research Symposium, including theme selection, scheduling, and event promotion. Coordinated with faculty and student groups to generate engagement and secure keynote speakers. Managed logistics such as budgeting, venue selection, and proposal deadlines for a successful academic event.
Community Engagement
Kristen has long been involved in community arts and education initiatives.
She volunteers as a musician for patients and families at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Oishei Children’s Hospital, and Kevin Guest House. She has also supported youth literacy and cultural programming through initiatives such as Global Book Hour and the West Buffalo Charter School Pen Pal Club, developing lessons and outreach activities that connect music, literacy, and global cultures.
Professional Affiliations
American Educational Research Association, 2022-Present
National Society of Leadership and Success, 2022-Present
National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity, 2022-Present
Kappa Delta Pi — International Education Honor Society, 2019-Present
New York State School Music Association, 2020-2025
National Association for Music Education, 2020-2025
Gordon Institute of Music Learning, 2021-2022
Erie County Music Educator Association, 2017-2021