COPE announces 2025-26 Research & Innovation Fellows

Aug. 15, 2025 — DENTON — The College of Professional Education at Texas Woman’s University continues its Research & Innovation Fellowships initiative this year with assistant professors Rebecca Lucero Jones, PhD (Research) and Tara Zimmerman, PhD (Innovation). The Research & Innovation Fellowships are designed to support tenure-track faculty pursuing new research, grant-related work, and innovative projects.

“The work of Dr. Jones and Dr. Zimmerman exemplify the kind of forward-thinking scholarship that drives disciplines forward,” said Associate Dean of Research and Innovation Maria Peterson-Ahmad, PhD. “Research and innovation are essential to addressing the complex challenges of our time, and these projects promise to expand knowledge, shape practice, and improve outcomes for the students and communities we serve.”

The chance to better mentor students on her research team as they work to publish findings is a benefit of the fellowship Lucero Jones is excited about.

"One of my favorite things about TWU is how the university has provided so many opportunities for me to grow as a teacher, leader, and scholar. I was ecstatic when I received the news," Lucero Jones said. "When I first heard about this program, I knew I would do everything I could to be competitive for this opportunity."

For Zimmerman, who lost federal funding due to recent federal cuts to research, the fellowship affords her the opportunity to continue work she has become passionate about.

"This is a great opportunity. I am incredibly honored to be chosen," Zimmerman said. "This support from our college allows me to invest vital time in my research to launch it at a national level."

Lucero Jones, of the School of Human Sciences, will continue her national study of gender and sexual minority partnerships — the first study of its scale. She will examine communication in sexual and gender minority relationships to identify how LGBTQIA+ and polyamorous couples discuss their sexual relationships and its impact on sex, health, and relationships. She hopes to establish a foundation in literature on sexual communication that shows the importance of understanding factors contributing to longevity, functionality, and health of sexual and gender minority relationships. 

Zimmerman, of the School of Library and Information Studies, will look to extend and complete her work in misinformation education started with a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Already far along in her work to build critical media literacy teaching tools to help children learn to navigate today’s fast-paced, often chaotic media environment, she will look to refine and improve lessons in the curriculum based on feedback from teachers and her research.

The college provides fellows with dedicated time and resources for projects that advance strategic goals of the College of Professional Education while promoting academic excellence and innovation. Faculty members have the chance to explore new ideas, secure grants, and implement projects that can have a lasting impact on their fields of study and educational community.

Page last updated 9:14 AM, August 15, 2025