Research award honors work bridging equity, education and emotional growth

What does it take to prepare the next generation to tackle injustice? For Gina McGovern, Ph.D., the answer begins with equipping the adults who guide them.  

McGovern is a faculty member in the Central Michigan University Department of Human Development and Family Studies. Her groundbreaking and grant-funded research in social and emotional learning that reflects her commitment to equity earned her a 2025 CMU Provost’s Award for research. 

In her early professional years as a middle school math teacher in Washington, D.C., McGovern saw firsthand how systems failed many students. That formative experience laid the groundwork for her current research passion, to impact youth by improving out-of-school learning environments. In these programs, youth often have the opportunity to develop leadership skills and explore identity, culture, and community-based service.  

McGovern’s current research investigates how adults can support youth, particularly those from marginalized communities, in building the skills needed to navigate today’s complex world.  

From teaching youth to manage emotional responses to sharing strategies in confronting racism, xenophobia, and other injustices, her work centers on how to foster identity, agency, and belonging, all core components of what researchers call transformative social and emotional learning. And these aren’t just personal skills; they are essential to the building blocks of civic life.  

After understanding themselves and the systems around them, young people are better equipped to engage in their communities and work toward meaningful change. “Civic engagement stems from understanding how our world works,” McGovern said. “Helping youth unpack their own experiences in a broader social context is critical.” 

McGovern is also deeply involved in mentoring undergraduate students at CMU. Many have co-authored publications with her, presented at national conferences, and pursued careers in youth services or graduate education. “It’s incredibly rewarding to support students as they discover their voice and realize the impact they can make,” she said. 

Looking ahead, McGovern is launching a research project with CMU faculty and students that will empower Mount Pleasant middle schoolers to explore topics like identity, inclusion, belonging, and the systems that shape their daily lives. “I want the work to make a difference, to inform practice, to develop people, and to drive change,” she said.