AERA Recognizes Dr. Robin Starr Zape-tah-hol-ah Minthorn

Dr. Robin Starr Zape-tah-hol-ah Minthorn, associate professor in the UW Tacoma School of Education and director of the doctorate in educational leadership program, has received the 2022 Exemplary Contributions to Practice-Engaged Research Award from the American Educational Research Association (AERA).

AERA, based in Washington, D.C., is described as the nation’s largest interdisciplinary research association focusing on the scientific study of education and learning.

In a release, AERA said, “This award is presented to an education research scholar or scholars in recognition of collaborative projects between researchers and practitioners that have had sustained and observable effects on contexts of practice.”

“Dr. Minthorn has advanced community-centered partnerships with tribal communities in the Southwestern and Pacific Northwest regions of the U.S.,” said AERA. “Colleagues have lauded Dr. Minthorn’s unwavering commitment to decolonizing educational leadership and centering Indigenous paradigms in ways that embody her notion of ‘heartwork.’”

“Dr. Minthorn is most deserving of the 2022 AERA award,” said Dr. Rachel Endo, dean and professor in the School of Education. “As a highly-regarded national scholar of Indigenous leadership and student experiences in higher education, she centers reciprocal and respectful approaches to collaborative practice-based research.”

Dr. Minthorn is quick to point out that she is not working alone in the field. “I want to acknowledge the tribal communities I have been able to connect and build relationships with and the Indigenous students I have had the honor to know over the years,” she said. “I know I — along with many others — am building on the legacy of many who have come before us in Indigenous education. I also want to acknowledge the Ancestors we uplift in our heart work.”

Dr. Minthorn was recognized at an awards ceremony during the 2022 annual AERA meeting on April 24 in San Diego.