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Baran, Tank inducted into the Iowa Academy of Education

Faculty News
09/05/2025

Two Iowa State School of Education faculty members, Evrim Baran and Kristina Tank, were inducted into the Iowa Academy of Education (IAE) on Sept. 12.

The IAE informs pre-kindergarten to grade 20 policy and practice in the state of Iowa through educational research. Membership is by nomination and recognizes scholars from a wide range of research fields whose work demonstrates rigor, creativity, and impact.

A professor in Iowa State’s School of Education, Baran’s work bridges research and practice by preparing future educators, co-designing with teachers and communities, and advancing responsible, human-centered approaches to educational technology. She was nominated for the IAE by Denise Schmidt-Crawford, School of Education Professor and Director of the Center for Technology in Learning and Teaching.

“I am honored to be inducted into the Iowa Academy of Education and to join such an esteemed group of colleagues who have dedicated their careers to advancing education in Iowa and beyond,” Baran said. “This recognition is deeply meaningful to me as it reflects a shared commitment to educational research, innovation, and collaboration across our state.”

Tank, a former elementary school teacher and current associate professor in the School of Education, focuses her research on improving STEM teaching and learning. She was nominated for the IAE by Robert Reason, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Academic Affairs in the College of Health and Human Sciences.

“I’m truly honored to be inducted into the Iowa Academy of Education and join a group of outstanding scholars who are committed to improving education across Iowa,” Tank said.

Evrim Baran is pictured with nominator, Denise Crawford. Kristina Tank is pictured with nominator, Robert Reason.

About IAE

The IAE is supported by Iowa State University, the University of Iowa and the University of Northern Iowa. Active members of the IAE from Iowa State include:

  • Ann Gansemer-Topf, School of Education, Department Chair
  • Constance Hargrave, College of Engineering, Associate Dean
  • Kere Hughes-Belding, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Professor
  • Carla Peterson, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Nancy Rygg Armbrust Professor
  • Robert D. Reason, Associate Dean, College of Health and Human Sciences
  • Denise Schmidt-Crawford, School of Education, Professor and Director of the Center for Technology in Learning and Teaching
  • Carl Weems, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Professor
  • Gregory Welk, Department of Kinesiology, Distinguished Professor and Barbara E. Forker Professor
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