## From the Classroom to the Cutting Edge: NC State’s Ela Castellanos-Reyes Recognized for Innovative Teaching
At NC State University, the pursuit of excellence isn’t just about groundbreaking research or industry partnerships. It’s also about nurturing the next generation of educators. That’s why the College of Education recently awarded its prestigious 2025 Early Career Faculty Strategic Excellence Award to Assistant Professor Ela Castellanos-Reyes, a shining example of innovative teaching and impactful contributions.
Impact and Implications
The Significance of Dr. Castellanos-Reyes’ Research
Dr. Castellanos-Reyes’ research has significant implications for the field of Learning, Design, and Technology. Her work on online learning, social presence, and learning analytics has the potential to improve people’s lives and society.
Her research on the application of large language models and AI in distance education has the potential to revolutionize the field of online learning. Her work could lead to the development of more effective online learning environments that support the needs of diverse learners.
Future Directions
The future directions of Dr. Castellanos-Reyes’ research are exciting and promising. Her work has the potential to inform policy and practice in education. Her research could lead to the development of more effective online learning environments that support the needs of diverse learners.
Dr. Castellanos-Reyes’ research agenda is focused on supporting online learners’ social presence through network analysis. Her future research directions may explore the potential of AI to support online learners’ social presence and improve learning outcomes. As Dr. Castellanos-Reyes continues to advance her research, her work is likely to have a profound impact on the field of Learning, Design, and Technology, ultimately improving the lives of individuals and society as a whole.
Conclusion
As we conclude our coverage of Assistant Professor of Learning, Design and Technology Ela Castellanos-Reyes’ outstanding achievement as the 2025 Early Career Faculty Strategic Excellence Award recipient from NC State University’s College of Education, it is clear that her dedication to innovation and excellence has made a lasting impact on the academic community. Throughout her tenure, Castellanos-Reyes has demonstrated a remarkable ability to bridge the gap between pedagogy and technology, fostering an inclusive and student-centered learning environment that has earned her recognition among her peers. Her commitment to strategic planning, collaboration, and community engagement has not only elevated the College of Education’s reputation but also set a new standard for early-career faculty members.
The significance of Castellanos-Reyes’ achievement extends beyond her individual accomplishments, as it highlights the importance of investing in emerging talent and fostering a culture of innovation at institutions of higher education. Her success serves as a testament to the value of strategic planning, mentorship, and community engagement in driving academic excellence and promoting meaningful social impact. As educators, researchers, and administrators, we can learn from Castellanos-Reyes’ example and strive to create a more inclusive, student-centered, and technology-driven learning environment that prepares students for success in an ever-evolving world.