Winston-Salem, North Carolina, hosted the North Carolina Reading Association’s Annual Conference on March 16, where educators from across the state gathered to discuss research and teaching in K-12 literacy.
Undergraduate Research on Display
Emily O’Hearn ’27, a Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education Teaching Fellow and elementary education major at Elon University, presented her undergraduate research at the conference. Her function focused on the inclusion of math concepts in picture books published between 2015 and 2025.
Associate Professor of Education Lisa Buchanan served as O’Hearn’s research mentor throughout the project. Buchanan praised O’Hearn’s ability to engage educators in a discussion of her research and the potential of using picture books to teach math concepts.
“It was fantastic to see Emily… engage educators from across the state in an in-depth conversation of her research process and findings, then explore the possibilities of teaching math concepts through picture books,” Buchanan said. “We are so proud to see this level of leadership in the profession from a third-year education major.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Emily O’Hearn’s research about?
Emily O’Hearn’s research focused on the inclusion of math concepts in picture books published from 2015-2025.
Who mentored Emily O’Hearn during her research?
Associate Professor of Education Lisa Buchanan mentored Emily O’Hearn throughout the design and implementation of the research study.
Where did Emily O’Hearn present her research?
Emily O’Hearn presented her research at the North Carolina Reading Association’s Annual Conference in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
As more educators explore innovative ways to integrate different subjects, will picture books become an increasingly common tool for teaching mathematical concepts?
