Nicole Ralston

Nicole Ralston is an Associate Professor of Education at the University of Portland, specializing in applied research through partnerships with Multnomah County school districts via the Multnomah County Partnership for Education Research (MCPER). Her work bridges academic scholarship with practical solutions for K-12 education challenges.

• Collaborates with doctoral fellows on district-driven research projects
• Cross-institutional partnership with the School of Engineering to improve national teaching standards
• Co-led a book study with 50+ faculty on Zaretta Hammond's Culturally Responsive Teaching

Her research focuses on creating cyclical connections between classroom practice, teacher training, and evidence-based educational reforms, with particular emphasis on pandemic recovery strategies and teacher leadership empowerment.