TRANSCEND Logo

The TRANSdisciplinary Convergence in Educational Neuroscience Doctoral (TRANSCEND) training program seeks to address two major challenges facing our educational system: 1) designing and delivering education that helps each student reach their full potential and 2) closing the achievement gap that negatively impacts youth from underrepresented groups (URGs).

This NSF funded program is grounded in Educational Neuroscience (EdNeuro), a cross-disciplinary field which promises to revolutionize education by transcending the present one-size-fits-all approach and personalizing learning. Our approach seeks to help realize EdNeuro’s potential by bringing together transdisciplinary research training in Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Education, Engineering, Computer Science, and Math.  With a strong emphasis on neurodiversity, team science, and co-creation of research, and training opportunities with community stakeholders, TRANSCEND will prepare diverse cohorts of trainees with the technical and transferable professional skills needed to excel in the 21st century STEM workforce within and outside of academia.

Fumiko Hoeft speaking at event

Innovation in EdNeuro

TRANSCEND integrates faculty from 3 colleges/schools and 5 departments, currently siloed within distinct degree programs. Our integrated EdNeuro Bidirectional Approach and Cyclical Model, that requires convergence of multiple disciplines, will lead to more ecologically valid research grounded in practice, and rapid translation of research to practice.

trainees collaborating

Team Science

We expand on UConn NRTs that leveraged problem-based learning, and add deliberate and formal implementation of team science approaches while considering diversity (in both demography and expertise) to enhance team creativity and productivity; and to facilitate collaborations, cultural competence, and career readiness. The Graduate School will support efforts to develop new modes of dissertation research based on transdisciplinary teams.

5 people with different brain types- neurodiversity

Neurodiversity

TRANSCEND centers neurodiverse learners (e.g., with ADHD, dyslexia, and/or autism spectrum disorder) both as a key population of investigation and as trainees. TRANSCEND will prioritize recruitment and retention of neurodiverse trainees, capitalizing on our expansive network including NSF INCLUDES partners.

Trainee doing outreach

Community

To enhance TRANSCEND’s impact, the program will cultivate a culture of support and sense of belonging through internships; receiving and providing mentorship; and participation of partners, community  stakeholders, trainees’ families, and faculty and students from other institutions in program activities. Practices and strategies learned will be disseminated widely for other institutions to follow the TRANSCEND model.

    https://events.uconn.edu/live/json/v2/events/response_fields/location,summary/date_format/%25F%20%25j,%20%25Y/max/4/start_date/today/end_date/6 months/
  • Oct
    23
    Eight Days a Week : An Illustrated Record of Rock ‘n’ Roll
    Jorgensen Gallery
    ALL DAY
    Opening Reception: Sat, Sep 27, 6:30 pm
    (Prior to Invincible: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson)
  • Oct
    23
    FRAME Contest: Your Research in the Spotlight
    ALL DAY

    The Office of the Vice President for Research (OVPR) is launching the first annual Featured Research Art & Media Exhibit (FRAME) Contest — and we want your research on our walls.

  • Oct
    23
    Scholastic Writing Awards 2025-26
    ALL DAY

    Founded in 1923, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. The awards identify and celebrate talented young writers and artists, offering them opportunities for recognition, scholarships, and publication.

  • Oct
    23
    UConn Extension Ornamental & Turf Short Course
    ALL DAY

    A short course providing an in-depth review of the information necessary to pass the Ornamental and Turf/Golf Course Superintendents State of Connecticut Supervisory Pesticide Applicator Certification (category 3A) exam.