Biography

Biography

Olivia Fudge Coleman is an assistant professor of Exceptional Student Education in the School of Teacher Education at the University of Central Florida. She began her educational career as a teacher of middle school students with extensive support needs and then as a teacher of third-grade students with and without disabilities. Her research centers on examining the current state of educational programs and practices for students with extensive support needs, advancing evidence-based practices and belonging for this population, and leveraging technology, including artificial intelligence, to improve educational and postschool outcomes for students with disabilities.

Areas of Expertise
  • Inclusive Education and Evidence-Based Practices for Students with Extensive Support Needs
  • Individualized Education Program (IEP) Development and Implementation
  • Artificial Intelligence and Educational Technology for Special Educator Practice and Special Education Outcomes
Education
  • Ph.D. in Special Education
    University of Utah
  • M.Ed. in Special Education, University of Utah
  • B.S. in Advertising, University of Florida

Research

Research Center/Institute/Lab Affiliations
  • Toni Jennings Exceptional Education Institute Affiliate Faculty
Current Funded Projects

Co-Principal Investigator: Center for Innovation, Design, and Digital Learning (CIDDL)
National Center to Improve Faculty Capacity to Use Educational Technology in Special Education Personnel and Leadership Preparation Programs
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs
Grant H327F250003 | $3.325 million | 2025–2030

Co-Principal Investigator: Project TP-3
Team-based Research & Teaching to Prepare Experts in Language, Literacy, and Learning
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs
Grant H325D230049 | $2.5 million | 2023–2028

Co-Principal Investigator: Project FLITE STEM
DebriefScape™ Suite: Personalized Dashboard and Open Education Resources for STEM Coaches to Support Special Education Teachers
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, Stepping-Up Technology Implementation
Grant H327S210005 | $2.5 million | 2021–2026

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