At Chapman University, the Howard Race in Education Analytics Learning Lab (How REAL Lab) serves as a dynamic hub where undergraduate and graduate students explore the intersection of data for justice and race in educational systems.
Under the directorship of Nicol R. Howard, PhD, the lab at Chapman recognizes that understanding educational disparities requires both theoretical knowledge and practical analytical skills. By equipping students with robust data analysis capabilities, we empower them to uncover patterns of inequality that might otherwise remain hidden within educational structures. Through hands-on research experiences, students collaborate with faculty to develop the expertise to challenge existing paradigms and advocate for meaningful change.
The first Race in Education Analytics Learning Lab was established in 2020 at the University of Redlands by co-directors Nicol R. Howard, PhD and Adriana Ruiz Alvarado, PhD. In January 2025, a second distinct lab was established at Chapman University under the leadership of Dr. Howard.
Nicol R. Howard, PhD
STEM Education Director, Howard REAL Lab