RESEARCH FACULTY FELLOW BRENDA BARRIO

Brenda L. Barrio, an associate professor of special education in the College of Education, has been named the newest faculty fellow in the Division of Research and Innovation. Her yearlong appointment began Sept. 1, 2022.

Barrio’s experience unites research expertise across disciplines and serves as a critical voice for inclusivity in the broader campus community.

“We are proud to welcome Brenda as our newest fellow. Her innovative and inclusive research has set an inspiring example across her field and its impact has been felt throughout our community,” vice president for research and innovation Pamela Padilla said. “She also brings important insight with her background in the social sciences, which is critical to UNT’s continued rise as a Tier One Institution.

Barrio’s research focuses on the areas of disproportionality of culturally and linguistically diverse students in special education, culturally responsive teaching, equity and access in higher education, and teacher preparation. She has more than 18 years of teaching experience including, graduate and undergraduate special education courses and K-5th bilingual and inclusive education in Texas.

“As a researcher, I am honored to have been considered for this role and that my work is valued at the university level,” Barrio said. “I am looking forward to connecting with faculty, students, and staff, across the campus to enhance interdisciplinary research collaborations. I’m also very excited to enhance our research efforts as a Hispanic Serving Institution through projects and grants.”

Barrio is also the PI and co-founder of the UNT ELEVAR, which stands for Empower, Learn, Excel, enVision, Advance and Rise. UNT ELEVAR gives young adults with intellectual disabilities the educational training to pursue a meaningful career and skills to lead an independent life. UNT ELEVAR is part of the Center for Racial and Ethnic Equity in Health and Society or CREEHS, an interdisciplinary effort at UNT to increase the quality of life for all Texans by narrowing longstanding racial and ethnic gaps in healthcare.