Two USC Rossier scholars named prestigious American Educational Research Association Fellows

Two of USC Rossier’s distinguished faculty have been recognized by the American Educational Research Association (AERA) for their exceptional contributions to the field of education research. Erika Patall and Julie Posselt have been selected as members of the Class of 2025 AERA Fellows.

As part of the 2025 cohort of AERA Fellows, USC Rossier Professors Posselt and Patall join a prestigious group of scholars for their outstanding contributions to the advancement of education research. Posselt and Patall, along with 29 other distinguished scholars, were nominated by their peers and selected by the AERA Fellows Committee for their academic excellence and groundbreaking work.

“I am honored to be named an AERA Fellow alongside such a distinguished group of scholars, especially my USC Rossier colleague Julie Posselt,” said Patall. “The work we all do at USC Rossier is so important to improving education and I am thrilled it is being recognized. I look forward to continuing to work towards USC Rossier’s mission of improving education for all with my many amazing colleagues at Rossier and elsewhere and alongside the other AERA Fellows.”

“Being selected as an AERA Fellow underscores the importance of the work we do at the USC Center for Enrollment Research, Policy and Practice (CERPP) and the Pullias Center for Higher Education,” said Posselt, who is also CERPP executive director. “Our mission is to bridge the gap between research and practice, so the best current evidence is accessible and actionable to educators, policymakers, and students alike.

The induction ceremony for the 2025 AERA Fellows will take place at the AERA Annual Meeting in Denver on April 24, 2025. With this recognition, Posselt and Patall join an esteemed group of 791 scholars who have made a lasting impact on the field.

In an announcement by AERA, Executive Director Felice J. Levine said, “The 2025 AERA Fellows join a brilliant group of scholars, and they are most deserving of this honor. Their significant contributions to the education research field demonstrate the highest standards of academic excellence and scholarship.”

“These noteworthy recognitions highlight Erika Patall and Julie Posselt’s exceptional contributions to the field of education research,” said USC Rossier Dean Pedro Noguera. “Their outstanding work continues to shape the field, and these honors are a testament to their dedication, excellence and leadership. We are fortunate to have them as part of our USC Rossier community, and I look forward to seeing the continued impact of their work on education at all levels.”