The Southern Education Foundation is proud to announce the selection of seven 2026 SEF Research Fellows, a distinguished cohort of scholars and practitioners committed to advancing education justice across the South.
Selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants, this year’s Fellows represent a diverse group of thinkers and leaders whose work spans education policy, leadership, and opportunity. Together, they bring deep expertise and a shared commitment to improving educational outcomes for students, particularly those from historically marginalized communities.
The SEF Research Fellows Program supports the work of Fellows engaged in actionable, evidence-based research to inform policy and practice. Our first cohort of Fellows are exploring critical issues such as educational access, desegregation, educational technology, curriculum, and student well-being, helping to bridge the gap between research and real-world impact.
“At SEF, we believe research must lead to action,” said Raymond C. Pierce, SEF President and CEO. “This cohort of Fellows embodies the kind of bold thinking and commitment needed to build a more just and inclusive education system across the South.”
The 2026 Fellows include:
- Dr. Chris Curran, Professor of Educational Leadership, University of Florida
- Dr. Eldrin L. Deas, Founder, EveryMango
- Romeka R. Mack, Director of Accreditation and Accountability, Yazoo City Municipal School District
- Isabela Porfirio Maia, Student, Federal University of Bahia
- Dr. Brianna Nargiso Newton, Researcher in education policy and mixed-methods analysis
- Dr. Daniel Sparks, Assistant Professor, University of Arkansas
- Dr. Rachel E. Williams, Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Throughout the fellowship, participants can engage with SEF’s extensive network of researchers, advocates, and policymakers, and will have opportunities to share their findings through publications and public platforms.
The SEF Research Fellows Program continues a long-standing commitment to cultivating leaders and advancing evidence-based solutions that expand opportunity for all students across the region.