Expertise
Single case Design Research, Multi-tiered systems of Support, Early literacy and behavioral Intervention, Immigrant Family empowerment and engagement, International Special EducationResearch Interests
Early academic and behavioral interventions; Multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS); Culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) learners; Family and school relations; Immigrant family empowerment; Global special Education and Inclusive Practices.Education
- Ph D: Special Education, (2018), University of North Carolina at Charlotte - Charlotte, N.C.
- M.A.: Special Education, (2005), Fayetteville State University - Fayetteville, N.C.
- B.Ed: Arts, (1995), Egerton University - Nakuru, Kenya, Swahili and Religious Studies
Biosketch
Robai Werunga, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Special Education in the School of Education, at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. Her research focus is in early academic and behavioral interventions through multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS). Werunga' s target population is students with or at-risk for Emotional/Behavioral Disorders (EBD) and/or Learning Disabilities with a focus on culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) learners. In addition, Werunga does research on strategies that foster and promote meaningful family and school relations as well as family engagement.
Werunga has a keen interest in cultural responsiveness in teaching and explores this topic within her teaching and scholarship. Currently, Werunga teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in the School of Education. Werunga has over 25 years' experience working with individuals with disabilities; sixteen of those years were spent working directly with students with disabilities within grade school. She has taught in both separate and inclusive settings and designed instruction for students in both settings. She is a member of the council for exceptional children (CEC) with active membership on several divisions, including Division of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Learners (DDEL), Division of International Special Education and Service (DISES) and the Teacher Education Division (TED). In addition, Dr. Werunga is a member of the Association for Positive Behavior Supports (APBS), and chaired the Programming subcommittee of CEC'S Project 20/20 ad-hoc committee which resulted in several diversity initiatives including the CEC’s Diversity Leadership Academy. Dr. Werunga is currently the president-elect of the DISES.
Selected Awards and Honors
2024 Grants- FY 24 Total Expenditures- over $250,000
UML Faculty Symposium, November 2024
2024 River Hawk Scholars Academy Faculty Advocate (2024-2025)
UML Faculty Symposium, November 2024
2024 FY24 Internal Seed Grant Recipient (PI)
UML Faculty Symposium, November 2024
2023 Grants- FY 23 Total Expenditures- over $300,000
UML Faculty Symposium, December 2023
2023 River Hawk Scholars Academy Faculty Advocate (2023-2024)
UML Faculty Symposium, December 2023
2023 Nominee- Finalist- Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Board of Directors. I was nominated and I underwent a rigorous 6-month vetting process that involved three interview stages. I successfully completed all stages and was slated for election by the CEC members. I was the only junior faculty among the 6 candidates slated for election.
2022 Faculty Advocate: River Hawk Scholars Academy (2022-2023)
UML Faculty Symposium, December 2022
2022 Nominee- School of Education Teaching Excellence Award- Nominated by students
2022 Nominee- UMass Lowell Undergraduate Mentoring Award – Nominated by students.
2021 Member Spotlight, Division of International Special Education and Services (DISES). I was nominated and selected by the DISES Board of Directors for my scholarship and service with regards to supporting global special education endeavors abroad and here in the US.
UML Faculty Symposium, November 2024
2024 River Hawk Scholars Academy Faculty Advocate (2024-2025)
UML Faculty Symposium, November 2024
2024 FY24 Internal Seed Grant Recipient (PI)
UML Faculty Symposium, November 2024
2023 Grants- FY 23 Total Expenditures- over $300,000
UML Faculty Symposium, December 2023
2023 River Hawk Scholars Academy Faculty Advocate (2023-2024)
UML Faculty Symposium, December 2023
2023 Nominee- Finalist- Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) Board of Directors. I was nominated and I underwent a rigorous 6-month vetting process that involved three interview stages. I successfully completed all stages and was slated for election by the CEC members. I was the only junior faculty among the 6 candidates slated for election.
2022 Faculty Advocate: River Hawk Scholars Academy (2022-2023)
UML Faculty Symposium, December 2022
2022 Nominee- School of Education Teaching Excellence Award- Nominated by students
2022 Nominee- UMass Lowell Undergraduate Mentoring Award – Nominated by students.
2021 Member Spotlight, Division of International Special Education and Services (DISES). I was nominated and selected by the DISES Board of Directors for my scholarship and service with regards to supporting global special education endeavors abroad and here in the US.
Selected Publications
Peer Reviewed
2025 Werunga, R. N. (2025) Mitigating issues of overrepresentation of African American students in office disciplinary referrals: The potential of universal FBA Training. RETHINKING Behavior 8 (3) 9-16
https://mslbd.org/what-we-do/rethinking-behavior/
2024 Werunga, Robai N.; Kim, Minjeong; and Rosales, Rocio (2024) "Cambodian American Parents Perspectives and Knowledge of Special Education Supports for their Children with Disabilities," Journal of Southeast Asian American Education and Advancement: Vol. 19. 12. 1-23. https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/jsaaea/vol19/iss1/12/
2024 Werunga, R. N. (2024) Check-in-Check-out Intervention for Jose: A collaborative approach to behavioral intervention for a student from a CLD Background. Journal of Case Learning and Exceptional Learners: https://doi.org/10.20429/jclel.2024.020103
2023 Werunga, R.N. & Lo. Y.-y (2023) Effects of SRSD with Social Skills Prompts on the Writing Skills and Problem Behaviors of Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1177/10634266231206749
2021 Lo, Y., Kourea, L., Werunga, R. N., Owens, T., & Collins, B. C. (2021). Embedding Parental Input in Instruction of SWPBS Behavioral Expectations for African American Students. Preventing school Failure https://doi.org/10.1080/1045988X.2021.1898321
2021 McKenna, J., Brigham, F., Garwood, J., Zurawski, L., Koc, M., Werunga, R. (2021). A Systematic Review of Intervention Studies for Young Children with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders: Identifying the Research Base. Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs. 21, 120-145. https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-3802.12505
2020 Rivera, C; Haughney, K; Clark, K; Werunga, R (2020). Culturally Responsive Planning, Instruction, and Reflection for Young Students with Significant Disabilities. Young Exceptional Children. https://doi.org/10.1177/1096250620951767
2020 McKenna, J. W., Garwood, J. D., & Werunga, R. (2020). Reading instruction for secondary grade students with emotional and behavioral disorders: A focus on comprehension. Beyond Behavior, 29, 18-30. https://doi.org/10.1177/1074295619900379
2017 Kourea, L., Gibson, L., & Werunga, R. N (2017). Culturally responsive reading instruction for students with learning disabilities. Intervention in Schools and Clinic,53. 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1177/1053451217702112
Book Chapters
2025 Werunga, R. N. (2025) Mitigating issues of overrepresentation of African American students in office disciplinary referrals: The potential of universal FBA Training. RETHINKING Behavior 8 (3) 9-16
https://mslbd.org/what-we-do/rethinking-behavior/
2024 Werunga, Robai N.; Kim, Minjeong; and Rosales, Rocio (2024) "Cambodian American Parents Perspectives and Knowledge of Special Education Supports for their Children with Disabilities," Journal of Southeast Asian American Education and Advancement: Vol. 19. 12. 1-23. https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/jsaaea/vol19/iss1/12/
2024 Werunga, R. N. (2024) Check-in-Check-out Intervention for Jose: A collaborative approach to behavioral intervention for a student from a CLD Background. Journal of Case Learning and Exceptional Learners: https://doi.org/10.20429/jclel.2024.020103
2023 Werunga, R.N. & Lo. Y.-y (2023) Effects of SRSD with Social Skills Prompts on the Writing Skills and Problem Behaviors of Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1177/10634266231206749
2021 Lo, Y., Kourea, L., Werunga, R. N., Owens, T., & Collins, B. C. (2021). Embedding Parental Input in Instruction of SWPBS Behavioral Expectations for African American Students. Preventing school Failure https://doi.org/10.1080/1045988X.2021.1898321
2021 McKenna, J., Brigham, F., Garwood, J., Zurawski, L., Koc, M., Werunga, R. (2021). A Systematic Review of Intervention Studies for Young Children with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders: Identifying the Research Base. Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs. 21, 120-145. https://doi.org/10.1111/1471-3802.12505
2020 Rivera, C; Haughney, K; Clark, K; Werunga, R (2020). Culturally Responsive Planning, Instruction, and Reflection for Young Students with Significant Disabilities. Young Exceptional Children. https://doi.org/10.1177/1096250620951767
2020 McKenna, J. W., Garwood, J. D., & Werunga, R. (2020). Reading instruction for secondary grade students with emotional and behavioral disorders: A focus on comprehension. Beyond Behavior, 29, 18-30. https://doi.org/10.1177/1074295619900379
2017 Kourea, L., Gibson, L., & Werunga, R. N (2017). Culturally responsive reading instruction for students with learning disabilities. Intervention in Schools and Clinic,53. 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1177/1053451217702112
Book Chapters
2023 Ellis-Robinson, T., Scott, L.A., Banks, J., Lindo, E.J., & Werunga, R. (2023). The benefits of sustaining a diverse special education teacher workforce. In E.D. McCray, E. Bettini, M. Brownell, J. McLeskey, & P.T. Sindelar (Eds). Handbook of Research on Special Education Teacher Preparation. Routledge. (Authors contributed equally to the chapter)
2020 Werunga, R.N. (2020) Writing Instructional Strategies for Elementary Age Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities. In McKenna, J., & Adamson, R. Pulling Back the Curtain: Inclusive Instruction for Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. New York, NY: Lexington Books, Rowman and Littlefield.
Other publications
2020 Werunga, R.N. (2020) Writing Instructional Strategies for Elementary Age Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities. In McKenna, J., & Adamson, R. Pulling Back the Curtain: Inclusive Instruction for Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders. New York, NY: Lexington Books, Rowman and Littlefield.
Other publications
2024 Werunga, R.N. (2024). Empowering Parents of Students with Disabilities through School, Community, and Family Partnerships. Exceptional Parent page 26-29 (Magazine)
2024 Werunga, R.N., Rosales, R., & Rinaldi, C. (2024). Responding to disparities in special education professionals: An interdisciplinary approach to special education personnel preparation. In A. Markelz, (Ed.), TED 2024 Conference Proceedings: Forging Ahead (pp 130-140). Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
2020 Werunga, R.N. (2020). The state of homeless black and brown students with disabilities in the era of COVID 19. DDEL Voices (DDEL Quarterly Newsletter) Volume 10, Issue 2. Page 4-7. DDEL Voices
2024 Werunga, R.N., Rosales, R., & Rinaldi, C. (2024). Responding to disparities in special education professionals: An interdisciplinary approach to special education personnel preparation. In A. Markelz, (Ed.), TED 2024 Conference Proceedings: Forging Ahead (pp 130-140). Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
2020 Werunga, R.N. (2020). The state of homeless black and brown students with disabilities in the era of COVID 19. DDEL Voices (DDEL Quarterly Newsletter) Volume 10, Issue 2. Page 4-7. DDEL Voices
Selected Presentations
Invited Speaking Engagements
2024, March March: Keynote Speaker. 15th Biennial International Conference. Research For Innovative Solutions in the 21st Century: Topic-The Role of Teacher Education Programs in Preparing Teacher Candidates to Work with Students with Special Needs in Inclusive Classrooms Kenya. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8a7vx04Fsc
2023
Dec December: Keynote Speaker. Empowering Minds: Introducing English Language Learning for Disabled Students in Indonesia. A webinar for Indonesian Special Needs and English Language Educators. Topic: The Importance of Holding students with Special Needs to High Standards. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cckAYCCY2c
2023
April Facilitator: “Anti-racist practices, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Special Education”. SPEDEX Consultants’ Annual Meeting
2021 Guest Speaker. Parent university- Coalition for a better acre. This was a six-week parent engagement program: Topic: engagement, participation and advocating for children with disabilities
Panelist
2023
Dec December: Keynote Speaker. Empowering Minds: Introducing English Language Learning for Disabled Students in Indonesia. A webinar for Indonesian Special Needs and English Language Educators. Topic: The Importance of Holding students with Special Needs to High Standards. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cckAYCCY2c
2023
April Facilitator: “Anti-racist practices, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Special Education”. SPEDEX Consultants’ Annual Meeting
2021 Guest Speaker. Parent university- Coalition for a better acre. This was a six-week parent engagement program: Topic: engagement, participation and advocating for children with disabilities
Panelist
2024, July Panelist: US Department of State: Office of English Language Programs, at the 4th Annual Black ELs and Professionals and Friends International Symposium. Panel session slides
2024
March , Expert Panelist, Identifying and Supporting Children With Diverse Learning Needs. Campaign for Grade Level Reading (CGLR).
2023-2025 Expert Research Panelist, Local Advisory Board- Project 3: Classification Systems at the Learning Disabilities Research Consortium (LDRC ) Center at MGH Institute of Health Professions in partnership with the Florida Center for Reading Research and the University of Virginia: Role: Provide my expert advice and recommendations on the grantee’s decision-making around aspects of the research process, including (1) recruitment, (2) iterative development of the toolkit and PLC prototype, (c) assessing the feasibility of sustainment, and (d) broad dissemination of research findings and innovations to scientific and non-scientific audiences.
2023-2024 Expert Research Panelist. Research Project “Pursuing Equity for Students with Learning Differences in Schools Using Authentic Assessments” Envision Learning Partners. My role on the panel is to advise and provide feedback on the appropriateness of project aims, research questions and research design before and during the project.
2023 October Panelist: Stories of Impact: A Day for Celebration, Reflection & Looking Ahead. As a local university partner in the “Reach Every Reader Project (2020-2022)” I was invited to be part of a panel discussion on the teacher candidates’ experiences using the Virtual Reality portion of the project and the future of Virtual Reality in Teacher preparation programs. Harvard University
2023, March Panelist: Project 20/20 Town Hall Project 20/20 is a three-year, outcomes-based project driven by all of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), from individual members to various components (Divisions, Units, chapters, and caucuses). I am one of the Goal chairs for this committee; I presented the progress made in the past 2 years, plans for Year 3, as well as our recommendations to CEC at the 101st Annual Council for Exceptional Children conference, Louisville KY
2023
March DCD/DISES Collaborative Panel Presentation: Supporting Learning Opportunities for Displaced Children with Disabilities Through High Leverage Practices. Presentation at the 101st Annual Council for Exceptional Children conference, Louisville KY
2022 October Annual DEIA Leaders’ Summit. This 1.5-hour session brought together diversity leaders and aspiring diversity leaders across CEC to share resources, opportunities, and information about their division/units’ activities in support of Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Access (J.E.D.I.A.). I was one of the panelists representing the Project 2020 Team
2021 October CEC-DISES virtual series: DISES Collaborating with CEC Division Colleagues to Highlight Inclusive Practices Around the World.
2021
July Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) Leadership and Project Directors’ Conference. Topic: Supporting students from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds within MTSS Post-Pandemic and Beyond https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mx7R4xO7dOQ
2021
May CEC DDEL Critical Conversation Series Webinar - Migration and the cultural shift: Perspectives on disability from immigrant families. Invited to discuss my work with Cambodian American families who have children with disabilities. Council for Exceptional Children/Division for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Exceptional Learners. Virtual webinar.
Conference Presentations
National/International Presentations – 30 total (26 as first or solo presenter)
2024
March , Expert Panelist, Identifying and Supporting Children With Diverse Learning Needs. Campaign for Grade Level Reading (CGLR).
2023-2025 Expert Research Panelist, Local Advisory Board- Project 3: Classification Systems at the Learning Disabilities Research Consortium (LDRC ) Center at MGH Institute of Health Professions in partnership with the Florida Center for Reading Research and the University of Virginia: Role: Provide my expert advice and recommendations on the grantee’s decision-making around aspects of the research process, including (1) recruitment, (2) iterative development of the toolkit and PLC prototype, (c) assessing the feasibility of sustainment, and (d) broad dissemination of research findings and innovations to scientific and non-scientific audiences.
2023-2024 Expert Research Panelist. Research Project “Pursuing Equity for Students with Learning Differences in Schools Using Authentic Assessments” Envision Learning Partners. My role on the panel is to advise and provide feedback on the appropriateness of project aims, research questions and research design before and during the project.
2023 October Panelist: Stories of Impact: A Day for Celebration, Reflection & Looking Ahead. As a local university partner in the “Reach Every Reader Project (2020-2022)” I was invited to be part of a panel discussion on the teacher candidates’ experiences using the Virtual Reality portion of the project and the future of Virtual Reality in Teacher preparation programs. Harvard University
2023, March Panelist: Project 20/20 Town Hall Project 20/20 is a three-year, outcomes-based project driven by all of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), from individual members to various components (Divisions, Units, chapters, and caucuses). I am one of the Goal chairs for this committee; I presented the progress made in the past 2 years, plans for Year 3, as well as our recommendations to CEC at the 101st Annual Council for Exceptional Children conference, Louisville KY
2023
March DCD/DISES Collaborative Panel Presentation: Supporting Learning Opportunities for Displaced Children with Disabilities Through High Leverage Practices. Presentation at the 101st Annual Council for Exceptional Children conference, Louisville KY
2022 October Annual DEIA Leaders’ Summit. This 1.5-hour session brought together diversity leaders and aspiring diversity leaders across CEC to share resources, opportunities, and information about their division/units’ activities in support of Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Access (J.E.D.I.A.). I was one of the panelists representing the Project 2020 Team
2021 October CEC-DISES virtual series: DISES Collaborating with CEC Division Colleagues to Highlight Inclusive Practices Around the World.
2021
July Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) Leadership and Project Directors’ Conference. Topic: Supporting students from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds within MTSS Post-Pandemic and Beyond https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mx7R4xO7dOQ
2021
May CEC DDEL Critical Conversation Series Webinar - Migration and the cultural shift: Perspectives on disability from immigrant families. Invited to discuss my work with Cambodian American families who have children with disabilities. Council for Exceptional Children/Division for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Exceptional Learners. Virtual webinar.
Conference Presentations
National/International Presentations – 30 total (26 as first or solo presenter)
2025 Werunga, R.N. & Haughney, K. (October 2025). Leap Into Case Learning with the Journal of Case Learning and Exceptional Learners (JCLEL). Presentation at the Annual Division on Career Development and Transition (DCDT) conference, Denver Colorado.
2025 Haughney, K & Werunga, R.N. (July, 2025). How to Publish in the Journal of Case Learning and Exceptional Learners (JCLEL). Presentation at the Annual Division of International Special Education and Services (DISES) conference, Nairobi, Kenya
2025 Werunga, R.N. & Fedha, F.N (July 2025). A survey of Kenyan Secondary Teachers on their Preparedness to Support Students with Special Needs in Inclusive Classrooms. Presentation at the Annual Division of International Special Education and Services (DISES) conference, Nairobi, Kenya
2025 Werunga, R.N. (2025, March). The effects of Touch Math intervention on basic computation skills of students with EBD. 102nd Annual Council for Exceptional Children conference Baltimore, MD
2024 Werunga, R.N. Rosales, R., Rinaldi, C. (2024, November) Responding to Disparities in Special Education Professionals: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Special Education Personnel Preparation. Presentation at the Annual CEC-TED Conference, Pittsburgh, PA
2024 Werunga, R.N. (2024, June) Kenya’s Secondary Teachers’ Perceptions on Inclusive Education, Annual Division of International Special Education and Services (DISES) conference Panama City, Panama
2024 Werunga, R.N. Rosales, R., Rinaldi, C. (2024, June) A Culturally Responsive Collaborative Interdisciplinary Approach to Training Special Education Personnel, Annual Division of International Special Education and Services (DISES) conference Panama City, Panama
2024 Werunga, R.N. (2024, March) Kenyan Secondary Teachers’ Perspectives on their Readiness for Inclusive Special Education, 102nd Annual Council for Exceptional Children conference San Antonio Texas
2023 Werunga, R.N. & Fedha, F.N (July 2023). Addressing High incidence disabilities Education Gap: An EBD/SLD Pilot Curriculum. Presentation at the Annual Division of International Special Education and Services (DISES) conference, Bangalore, India
2023 Rosales, R., Rinaldi, C., & Werunga, R.N. (2023, May). A collaborative interdisciplinary approach to training graduate students. Presentation delivered at the 98th Association for Behavior Analysis International, Denver, CO.
2022 Werunga, R.N. (July 2022). Immigrant Family Empowerment Through Training. Presentation at the 100th Annual Division of International Special Education and Services (DISES) conference, Breckenridge CO
2022 Werunga, R.N. (January 2022). Immigrant Family Empowerment: Leveraging Community Partnerships. Presentation at the 100th Annual Council for Exceptional Children conference, Orlando Florida.
2021 Werunga, R.N. (November 2021). Preservice Teachers' Perceptions Regarding their use of High Leverage Practices in a Virtual Reality Classroom Teaching Demonstration. Presentation at the Annual TED conference, Fort Worth Tx.
2021 Werunga, R.N., Minjeong K, Rosales, R, McKenna, J. (March 2021). Cambodian American Parents' Knowledge of Special Education Services Provided to their Children with Disabilities. Presentation at the 2021 Virtual Council for Exceptional Children conference via L.I.V.E!
2020 Redmond, P., Jez, R. J., Hersey, P., Reid, T., & Werunga, R. (2020). Our profession is political: Advancing equity and democratic activism through culturally responsive teacher dispositions. Recorded paper presented at a meeting of the National Association of Multicultural Education Virtual Conference.
2020 Werunga, R.N, Minjeong K, Rosales, R, McKenna, J, Lo, Y. (February 2020). Empowering Immigrant Families from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds to Advocate for and Support their Children with Disabilities, Presentation at the annual Council for Exceptional Children conference, Portland Oregon
2019 Werunga, R.N., Muharib, R., Roberson, C. (November 2019). Mastering the skills for a successful academic job search. Presentation at the Annual TED conference, New Orleans LA.
2019 Werunga, R.N. (November 2019). Leveraging the cultural capital of CLD parents through training. Presentation at the Annual TED conference, New Orleans LA.
2019 Haughney, K., Clark, K., & Werunga, R.N. (November 2019). CLD teaching and learning in action: Planning, implementing, and reflecting. Presentation at the Annual TED conference, New Orleans LA.
2019 Werunga, R.N. (June 2019). Lost in translation: examining the barriers to effective involvement of parents of students with disabilities from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Presentation at the annual DISES conference, Montego Bay Jamaica
2019 Zurawski, L., McKenna, J., Brigham, F., Koc, M., Lavin, C., Garwood, J., & Werunga, R. (April 2019). A systematic review of interventions for young children with EBD. Paper session to be presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association. Toronto, Canada.
2019 Werunga, R.N. (February 2019). Addressing Writing and Social Skills Deficits of Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities alongside SRSD Instruction. CEC Conference, Indianapolis, IN
2018 Werunga, R.N. (November 2018). Effects of the Self-Regulated Strategy Development with Social Skills Prompts on Writing and Problem Behavior of Students with EBD. Presentation at the Annual CEC-TED Conference, Las Vegas, NV.
2018 Werunga, R.N. (November 2018). Empowering Families to Support Students with Disabilities from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds. Presentation at the CEC-TED Conference, Las Vegas, NV.
2018 Werunga, R.N. (March 2018). Combining SRSD and self-monitoring to improve writing and self-monitoring Skills of students with EBD. Invited Presenter, Association of Positive Behavior Support Conference, San Diego, CA.
2018 Werunga, RN. (February 2018). Addressing writing and Off-Task Behaviors of African American Students with EBD through SRSD persuasive writing instruction. Council for Exceptional Children conference, Tampa, FL.
2018 Werunga, R.N. (November 2017). The current state of writing instruction in the K-12 public schools. Presentation at the CEC-TED Conference, Savannah, GA.
2017 Werunga, R.N. (November 2017). Effects of SRSD and self-monitoring on writing and off-task behaviors of African American students with emotional and behavioral disabilities. Presentation at the CEC-TED Conference, Savannah, GA.
2017 Haughney, K. L., Muharib, R., Werunga, R., Park, G., Collins, B. (2017, November). Teacher preparation across nations: An exploratory comparison of experiences. Conversation session as part of the national Teacher Education Division Conference, Savannah, G.A.
2017 Werunga, R.N. (June 2017). A culturally responsive social skills curriculum for African American students in tier 2 SWPBS. Presented at the Annual Global Perspectives Conference, Arlington, VA.
2017 Werunga, R.N, Owens, Lo, Y., Kourea L., T., & Collins, B. C. (2017, April). Effects of culturally responsive social skills instruction on rule violation of African American students on tier 2 SWPBS. Presentation at the annual Council for Exceptional Children conference, Boston, MA
2017 Werunga, R.N & Lo, Y. (2017, March). Using SRSD persuasive writing to improve writing and self-monitoring skills. Presentation at the Annual Association of Positive Behavior Support conference, Denver, CO.
2017 Werunga, R.N & Lo, Y. (2017, April). Examining the effects of SRSD persuasive writing and self-monitoring on writing and off-task behaviors of African American students with emotional and behavioral disabilities. Presentation at the Division for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Exceptional Learners (DDEL) student research forum, Boston, MA
Local Presentations/Regional presentations- 11 (9 as first or solo presenter)
2025 Werunga, R.N. (2025, March). The effects of Touch Math intervention on basic computation skills of students with EBD. 102nd Annual Council for Exceptional Children conference Baltimore, MD
2024 Werunga, R.N. Rosales, R., Rinaldi, C. (2024, November) Responding to Disparities in Special Education Professionals: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Special Education Personnel Preparation. Presentation at the Annual CEC-TED Conference, Pittsburgh, PA
2024 Werunga, R.N. (2024, June) Kenya’s Secondary Teachers’ Perceptions on Inclusive Education, Annual Division of International Special Education and Services (DISES) conference Panama City, Panama
2024 Werunga, R.N. Rosales, R., Rinaldi, C. (2024, June) A Culturally Responsive Collaborative Interdisciplinary Approach to Training Special Education Personnel, Annual Division of International Special Education and Services (DISES) conference Panama City, Panama
2024 Werunga, R.N. (2024, March) Kenyan Secondary Teachers’ Perspectives on their Readiness for Inclusive Special Education, 102nd Annual Council for Exceptional Children conference San Antonio Texas
2023 Werunga, R.N. & Fedha, F.N (July 2023). Addressing High incidence disabilities Education Gap: An EBD/SLD Pilot Curriculum. Presentation at the Annual Division of International Special Education and Services (DISES) conference, Bangalore, India
2023 Rosales, R., Rinaldi, C., & Werunga, R.N. (2023, May). A collaborative interdisciplinary approach to training graduate students. Presentation delivered at the 98th Association for Behavior Analysis International, Denver, CO.
2022 Werunga, R.N. (July 2022). Immigrant Family Empowerment Through Training. Presentation at the 100th Annual Division of International Special Education and Services (DISES) conference, Breckenridge CO
2022 Werunga, R.N. (January 2022). Immigrant Family Empowerment: Leveraging Community Partnerships. Presentation at the 100th Annual Council for Exceptional Children conference, Orlando Florida.
2021 Werunga, R.N. (November 2021). Preservice Teachers' Perceptions Regarding their use of High Leverage Practices in a Virtual Reality Classroom Teaching Demonstration. Presentation at the Annual TED conference, Fort Worth Tx.
2021 Werunga, R.N., Minjeong K, Rosales, R, McKenna, J. (March 2021). Cambodian American Parents' Knowledge of Special Education Services Provided to their Children with Disabilities. Presentation at the 2021 Virtual Council for Exceptional Children conference via L.I.V.E!
2020 Redmond, P., Jez, R. J., Hersey, P., Reid, T., & Werunga, R. (2020). Our profession is political: Advancing equity and democratic activism through culturally responsive teacher dispositions. Recorded paper presented at a meeting of the National Association of Multicultural Education Virtual Conference.
2020 Werunga, R.N, Minjeong K, Rosales, R, McKenna, J, Lo, Y. (February 2020). Empowering Immigrant Families from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds to Advocate for and Support their Children with Disabilities, Presentation at the annual Council for Exceptional Children conference, Portland Oregon
2019 Werunga, R.N., Muharib, R., Roberson, C. (November 2019). Mastering the skills for a successful academic job search. Presentation at the Annual TED conference, New Orleans LA.
2019 Werunga, R.N. (November 2019). Leveraging the cultural capital of CLD parents through training. Presentation at the Annual TED conference, New Orleans LA.
2019 Haughney, K., Clark, K., & Werunga, R.N. (November 2019). CLD teaching and learning in action: Planning, implementing, and reflecting. Presentation at the Annual TED conference, New Orleans LA.
2019 Werunga, R.N. (June 2019). Lost in translation: examining the barriers to effective involvement of parents of students with disabilities from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Presentation at the annual DISES conference, Montego Bay Jamaica
2019 Zurawski, L., McKenna, J., Brigham, F., Koc, M., Lavin, C., Garwood, J., & Werunga, R. (April 2019). A systematic review of interventions for young children with EBD. Paper session to be presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Educational Research Association. Toronto, Canada.
2019 Werunga, R.N. (February 2019). Addressing Writing and Social Skills Deficits of Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities alongside SRSD Instruction. CEC Conference, Indianapolis, IN
2018 Werunga, R.N. (November 2018). Effects of the Self-Regulated Strategy Development with Social Skills Prompts on Writing and Problem Behavior of Students with EBD. Presentation at the Annual CEC-TED Conference, Las Vegas, NV.
2018 Werunga, R.N. (November 2018). Empowering Families to Support Students with Disabilities from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds. Presentation at the CEC-TED Conference, Las Vegas, NV.
2018 Werunga, R.N. (March 2018). Combining SRSD and self-monitoring to improve writing and self-monitoring Skills of students with EBD. Invited Presenter, Association of Positive Behavior Support Conference, San Diego, CA.
2018 Werunga, RN. (February 2018). Addressing writing and Off-Task Behaviors of African American Students with EBD through SRSD persuasive writing instruction. Council for Exceptional Children conference, Tampa, FL.
2018 Werunga, R.N. (November 2017). The current state of writing instruction in the K-12 public schools. Presentation at the CEC-TED Conference, Savannah, GA.
2017 Werunga, R.N. (November 2017). Effects of SRSD and self-monitoring on writing and off-task behaviors of African American students with emotional and behavioral disabilities. Presentation at the CEC-TED Conference, Savannah, GA.
2017 Haughney, K. L., Muharib, R., Werunga, R., Park, G., Collins, B. (2017, November). Teacher preparation across nations: An exploratory comparison of experiences. Conversation session as part of the national Teacher Education Division Conference, Savannah, G.A.
2017 Werunga, R.N. (June 2017). A culturally responsive social skills curriculum for African American students in tier 2 SWPBS. Presented at the Annual Global Perspectives Conference, Arlington, VA.
2017 Werunga, R.N, Owens, Lo, Y., Kourea L., T., & Collins, B. C. (2017, April). Effects of culturally responsive social skills instruction on rule violation of African American students on tier 2 SWPBS. Presentation at the annual Council for Exceptional Children conference, Boston, MA
2017 Werunga, R.N & Lo, Y. (2017, March). Using SRSD persuasive writing to improve writing and self-monitoring skills. Presentation at the Annual Association of Positive Behavior Support conference, Denver, CO.
2017 Werunga, R.N & Lo, Y. (2017, April). Examining the effects of SRSD persuasive writing and self-monitoring on writing and off-task behaviors of African American students with emotional and behavioral disabilities. Presentation at the Division for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Exceptional Learners (DDEL) student research forum, Boston, MA
Local Presentations/Regional presentations- 11 (9 as first or solo presenter)
2023 Werunga, R.N (November 2023). Advocating for Global Inclusive Special Education Through Training and Family Empowermen.t UML Faculty Research Symposium
2023 Werunga, R.N (November 2022). Immigrant Family Empowerment: Leveraging Community Supports. UML Faculty Research Symposium
2021 Werunga, R.N (March 2021). Reimagining Teaching Experience for Preservice Teachers During Covid19. UML Faculty Research Symposium
2021 Werunga, R.N. Nino, S. Jaboin, S. (March 2021) Virtual Learning: Empowering Families of Students with Dis/Abilities. Presentation at the annual Visions of Community Conference, sponsored by the Federation for Children with Special Needs (MA)
2019 Werunga, R.N. (November 2019). Using SRSD with social skills prompts, to improve writing and behavior. Presentation at the annual Massachusetts Council for Exceptional Children, Norwood, MA
2018 Werunga, R.N. (January 2018). Addressing self-monitoring challenges within the SRSD instructional framework for African American Students with EBD. Presentation at the annual North Carolina CEC Conference, Winston-Salem, NC
2017 Werunga, R.N & Haughney, K. (March 2017). Collaboration tips for the novice special education Teacher. Presented to the Spring 2017 Student Teachers as Part of Professional Development Series at UNC at Charlotte, NC.
2017 Werunga, R.N. (2017, March). Navigating the parental rights handbook: Accessing the available resources. Presented to Latino Families at the International Center for Community Development, Concord, NC
2017 Werunga, R.N. (2017, January). Effects of culturally responsive social skills instruction on rule violation of African American students on tier 2 SWPBS. Presented at the Annual North Carolina Council for Exceptional Children Conference, Wilmington, NC
2023 Werunga, R.N (November 2022). Immigrant Family Empowerment: Leveraging Community Supports. UML Faculty Research Symposium
2021 Werunga, R.N (March 2021). Reimagining Teaching Experience for Preservice Teachers During Covid19. UML Faculty Research Symposium
2021 Werunga, R.N. Nino, S. Jaboin, S. (March 2021) Virtual Learning: Empowering Families of Students with Dis/Abilities. Presentation at the annual Visions of Community Conference, sponsored by the Federation for Children with Special Needs (MA)
2019 Werunga, R.N. (November 2019). Using SRSD with social skills prompts, to improve writing and behavior. Presentation at the annual Massachusetts Council for Exceptional Children, Norwood, MA
2018 Werunga, R.N. (January 2018). Addressing self-monitoring challenges within the SRSD instructional framework for African American Students with EBD. Presentation at the annual North Carolina CEC Conference, Winston-Salem, NC
2017 Werunga, R.N & Haughney, K. (March 2017). Collaboration tips for the novice special education Teacher. Presented to the Spring 2017 Student Teachers as Part of Professional Development Series at UNC at Charlotte, NC.
2017 Werunga, R.N. (2017, March). Navigating the parental rights handbook: Accessing the available resources. Presented to Latino Families at the International Center for Community Development, Concord, NC
2017 Werunga, R.N. (2017, January). Effects of culturally responsive social skills instruction on rule violation of African American students on tier 2 SWPBS. Presented at the Annual North Carolina Council for Exceptional Children Conference, Wilmington, NC
Selected Contracts, Fellowships, Grants and Sponsored Research
Internal
2025 Project Bridging Pathways: A Multidisciplinary Mentoring Program to Empower Underrepresented High School Students in Psychology, Education, and Engineering
Funder
Purpose To create a versatile high school mentoring program that spans three disciplines: psychology, education, and engineering. By establishing a high school mentoring program led by first-generation or culturally diverse graduate students, this initiative will support students interested in these three disciplines, ultimately strengthen the pipeline to higher education, and increase workforce diversity in these fields.
Role CO-PI (Anita Li, PI)
Amount $14800
2024 Project: Know Your Rights: Pedagogy for Newly Arrived Immigrants Interacting with Police. Community-Engaged Research and Scholarship Fund.
Funder University of Massachusetts Lowell, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Sustainability Engagement & Enrichment Development (S.E.E.D.) fund
Purpose To improve the knowledge of Newly Arrived Immigrants regarding their rights, including how to interact with law enforcement as victims, suspects, or witnesses. A collaboratively developed educational intervention can play a vital role in ensuring newly arrived immigrants' physical and legal protection.
Role: CO-PI (Amber Ruf, PI)
Amount: $10,000
2024 Project: Examining the Efficacy of Touch Math in Developing and Remediating Basic Computation Skills of Students with or at Risk of Math Disabilities.
Funder: University of Massachusetts Lowell, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Sustainability Engagement & Enrichment Development (S.E.E.D.) Fund
Purpose: To conduct research on the efficacy of Touch Math, a commercially available Mathematics program in developing and/or remediating basic computation skills of students with or at risk of learning and behavioral disabilities in alternative placements in the Greater Lowell region.
Role P.I
Amount $15,000
2022 Project: “The effects of Touch Math intervention on the number recognition skills and 1–2-digit addition/subtraction skills of students with significant cognitive disabilities”.
Funder: UMass Lowell Honors College: Honors Fellowship
Purpose: To support and mentor an undergraduate honors student in conducting single case research.
Role: P. I
Amount: $1500
2024 Project: Parent and Community Broker Training on the Special Education Process and IEP Basics.
Funder: Mary Bacigalupo Educational Endowment
Purpose: To provide training to families of children with disabilities on their rights and responsibilities regarding their children’s supports and services.
Role: P.I
Amount: $1400
2019 Project: Empowering Families from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds to Advocate for and Support their Children with Disabilities.
Funder: University of Massachusetts Lowell, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Sustainability Engagement & Enrichment Development (S.E.E.D.) Fund
Purpose: To conducted interviews with local immigrant families of children with disabilities to understand their experiences and challenges in working with schools to support their children with disabilities. Results from these interviews informed the ongoing work to support and empower immigrant families to advocate for their children with disabilities. (1pubication, 1 manuscript under review, 4 international conference presentation and 1 local conference presentation)
Role: P.I
Amount $10,000
External
Funder
Purpose To create a versatile high school mentoring program that spans three disciplines: psychology, education, and engineering. By establishing a high school mentoring program led by first-generation or culturally diverse graduate students, this initiative will support students interested in these three disciplines, ultimately strengthen the pipeline to higher education, and increase workforce diversity in these fields.
Role CO-PI (Anita Li, PI)
Amount $14800
2024 Project: Know Your Rights: Pedagogy for Newly Arrived Immigrants Interacting with Police. Community-Engaged Research and Scholarship Fund.
Funder University of Massachusetts Lowell, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Sustainability Engagement & Enrichment Development (S.E.E.D.) fund
Purpose To improve the knowledge of Newly Arrived Immigrants regarding their rights, including how to interact with law enforcement as victims, suspects, or witnesses. A collaboratively developed educational intervention can play a vital role in ensuring newly arrived immigrants' physical and legal protection.
Role: CO-PI (Amber Ruf, PI)
Amount: $10,000
2024 Project: Examining the Efficacy of Touch Math in Developing and Remediating Basic Computation Skills of Students with or at Risk of Math Disabilities.
Funder: University of Massachusetts Lowell, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Sustainability Engagement & Enrichment Development (S.E.E.D.) Fund
Purpose: To conduct research on the efficacy of Touch Math, a commercially available Mathematics program in developing and/or remediating basic computation skills of students with or at risk of learning and behavioral disabilities in alternative placements in the Greater Lowell region.
Role P.I
Amount $15,000
2022 Project: “The effects of Touch Math intervention on the number recognition skills and 1–2-digit addition/subtraction skills of students with significant cognitive disabilities”.
Funder: UMass Lowell Honors College: Honors Fellowship
Purpose: To support and mentor an undergraduate honors student in conducting single case research.
Role: P. I
Amount: $1500
2024 Project: Parent and Community Broker Training on the Special Education Process and IEP Basics.
Funder: Mary Bacigalupo Educational Endowment
Purpose: To provide training to families of children with disabilities on their rights and responsibilities regarding their children’s supports and services.
Role: P.I
Amount: $1400
2019 Project: Empowering Families from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds to Advocate for and Support their Children with Disabilities.
Funder: University of Massachusetts Lowell, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation, Sustainability Engagement & Enrichment Development (S.E.E.D.) Fund
Purpose: To conducted interviews with local immigrant families of children with disabilities to understand their experiences and challenges in working with schools to support their children with disabilities. Results from these interviews informed the ongoing work to support and empower immigrant families to advocate for their children with disabilities. (1pubication, 1 manuscript under review, 4 international conference presentation and 1 local conference presentation)
Role: P.I
Amount $10,000
External
2024 Project: Responsive Opportunities for Personalized Educator Systems and Supports (ROPESS).
Funder: Department of Education Office of English Language Acquisition National Professional Development Program.
Purpose: To increase the number of certified bilingual teachers in southeastern Massachusetts – and in the Merrimack Valley cities of Lowell and Lawrence.
Role: Senior Project personnel (Leider Christine, P.I)
Amount $3.4 million
2024 Project: Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program (CADFP)
Funder: Institute of International Education
Purpose: To provide special education expertise to Egerton University’s school of education in developing a special Needs program within their teacher preparation program.
Role: P. I
Amount: $ 20,040
2024 Project: Massachusetts Public K–12 Educator Diversification Project (Fund Code: UEI: LTNVSTJ3R6D5 DUNS: 956072490).
Funder: Massachusetts Department of Secondary and Elementary Education.
Purpose: To diversify the Massachusetts educator workforce. Funds utilized to recruit and support diverse teacher candidates through our Grow Your Own (GYO) partnerships with Lowell and Lawrence Public schools.
Role: CO-PI (Szczesiul Stacy, P I)
Amount: $175,000
2023 Project: In-Person Exchange Program: Teaching English Language Learners with Special Needs.
Funder: U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Office of English Language Programs (ECA/A/L) FHI 360.
Purpose: To design and implement a two-week intensive workshop/training for teachers from Southeast Asia, on supporting English language learners with disabilities.
Role: P.I (Uy, P, CO-PI)
Amount $167, 296
2023 Project: Massachusetts Public K–12 Educator Diversification Grant (Fund Code: 242)
Funder: Massachusetts Department of Secondary and Elementary Education
Purpose: To diversify the Massachusetts educator workforce. Funds are utilized to recruit and support diverse teacher candidates through our Grow Your Own (GYO) partnerships with Lowell and Lawrence Public schools.
Role: CO-PI (Szczesiul Stacy, P I)
Amount $393,406
2022 Grant Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program (CADFP)-
Funder Institute of International Education
Purpose To provide special education expertise to Egerton University’s school of education in modifying existing curriculum to incorporate content that introduce teacher candidates to students with specific learning disabilities and emotional and behavioral disorders.
Role P. I
Amount $20,040
2021 Project: Interdisciplinary Preparation in Special Education, Early Intervention, and Related Services for Personnel Serving Children with Disabilities who have High-Intensity Needs (CFDA 84.325K). Award# H325K21071
Funder:
Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)
Purpose: To prepare special education personnel in an interdisciplinary, cross-institutional cohort model to address gaps in interdisciplinary training of personnel who serve students with special needs.
Role: Senior Project Personnel- 40% effort (Rocio Rosales, P. I)
I played a critical role that led to the funding of the project as follows:
Funder: Department of Education Office of English Language Acquisition National Professional Development Program.
Purpose: To increase the number of certified bilingual teachers in southeastern Massachusetts – and in the Merrimack Valley cities of Lowell and Lawrence.
Role: Senior Project personnel (Leider Christine, P.I)
Amount $3.4 million
2024 Project: Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program (CADFP)
Funder: Institute of International Education
Purpose: To provide special education expertise to Egerton University’s school of education in developing a special Needs program within their teacher preparation program.
Role: P. I
Amount: $ 20,040
2024 Project: Massachusetts Public K–12 Educator Diversification Project (Fund Code: UEI: LTNVSTJ3R6D5 DUNS: 956072490).
Funder: Massachusetts Department of Secondary and Elementary Education.
Purpose: To diversify the Massachusetts educator workforce. Funds utilized to recruit and support diverse teacher candidates through our Grow Your Own (GYO) partnerships with Lowell and Lawrence Public schools.
Role: CO-PI (Szczesiul Stacy, P I)
Amount: $175,000
2023 Project: In-Person Exchange Program: Teaching English Language Learners with Special Needs.
Funder: U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs Office of English Language Programs (ECA/A/L) FHI 360.
Purpose: To design and implement a two-week intensive workshop/training for teachers from Southeast Asia, on supporting English language learners with disabilities.
Role: P.I (Uy, P, CO-PI)
Amount $167, 296
2023 Project: Massachusetts Public K–12 Educator Diversification Grant (Fund Code: 242)
Funder: Massachusetts Department of Secondary and Elementary Education
Purpose: To diversify the Massachusetts educator workforce. Funds are utilized to recruit and support diverse teacher candidates through our Grow Your Own (GYO) partnerships with Lowell and Lawrence Public schools.
Role: CO-PI (Szczesiul Stacy, P I)
Amount $393,406
2022 Grant Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program (CADFP)-
Funder Institute of International Education
Purpose To provide special education expertise to Egerton University’s school of education in modifying existing curriculum to incorporate content that introduce teacher candidates to students with specific learning disabilities and emotional and behavioral disorders.
Role P. I
Amount $20,040
2021 Project: Interdisciplinary Preparation in Special Education, Early Intervention, and Related Services for Personnel Serving Children with Disabilities who have High-Intensity Needs (CFDA 84.325K). Award# H325K21071
Funder:
Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)
Purpose: To prepare special education personnel in an interdisciplinary, cross-institutional cohort model to address gaps in interdisciplinary training of personnel who serve students with special needs.
Role: Senior Project Personnel- 40% effort (Rocio Rosales, P. I)
I played a critical role that led to the funding of the project as follows:
- I identified the grant.
- Established connection between PI and CO-PI (to satisfy the interdisciplinary requirement of the grant),
- Provided template for writing the proposal, and a sample proposal
- Provided critical feedback throughout the proposal writing process.