AERA Early Career Award

Raquel Muñiz, an associate professor in the Lynch School of Education and Human Development, has received the 2025 Early Career Award from the American Education Research Association , the nation’s largest national interdisciplinary research organization devoted to the scientific study of education and learning.

The AERA Early Career Award recognizes a scholar in the initial stages of their profession—no later than 10 years after receipt of the doctoral degree—who has conducted a distinguished program of cumulative education research in any field of educational inquiry.

“With over 25 journal articles in prestigious publications including the Harvard Law & Policy Review, her cross-disciplinary expertise is widely recognized,” noted the AERA in its announcement.  “In short, Muñiz’s commitment to educational equity and innovative research profoundly impacts both academia and the practical realms of education policy and law.”

Muñiz, who also has a courtesy appointment as an associate professor at the Boston College Law School, actively contributes to legal education and policy reform, shaping debates around educational equity. Her research bridges educational theory, policy, and law to address inequalities in K-12 and higher education.

“I am highly honored to receive the award and look forward to continuing to build community through my research,” said Muñiz.

The AERA will honor Muñiz and the other award recipients at the organization’s 2025 annual meeting today in Denver.  

“We are thrilled to see Raquel Muñiz receive such impressive recognition for her sustained, outstanding research agenda,” said Stanton E.F. Wortham, the Charles F. Donovan, S.J., Dean of the Lynch School. “Since the AERA bestows just one of these awards each year across the entire membership, this honor is extremely competitive and prestigious.  She is an excellent scholar and a valuable colleague, and we look forward to her continuing contributions.”