Deborah Cockerham

Dr. Deborah Cockerham is a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of North Texas, serving as Director of the Masters in Science Program. She holds a PhD in Learning Technologies with a specialization in Behavioral Science and an MS in Mind, Brain, and Education from the University of Texas at Arlington. Her research focuses on AI in education, neurodiverse learners, and immersive technologies. Dr. Cockerham has directed the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History's Research and Learning Center and served as a Visiting Research Scholar at Texas Christian University. She has secured over $20,000 in recent grants including seed funding for AI in mathematics education and workforce development for individuals with autism. Her work has been recognized with awards such as the COI Faculty Excellence Award and John Cotton Dana Leadership Award.

Research interests include: AI integration in pedagogy, socioemotional well-being in digital environments, neuroscience-based interventions for learning disabilities, and inquiry-based learning strategies. Her recent publications explore participatory action research, virtual reality impacts, and adolescent smartphone usage studies. She co-edited the 2023 Springer volume Reimagining Education, addressing evolving digital learning practices.

• Grants: $10,000 UNT Seed Fund (2024), $10,000 Lupe Murchison Award (2023)
• Awards: 2023 COI Excellence, 2020 Dana Leadership, LASER Scholar (2023-24)
• Key collaborations: Texas Christian University, Fort Worth Museum

Dr. Cockerham's work bridges neuroscience, technology, and education to support neurodiverse populations. She actively promotes inclusive pedagogical practices and community-university partnerships through initiatives like regional youth summits and museum-based research programs.