Attending the 2025 American Educational Research Association (AERA) Annual Meeting in Denver was transformative. Attendees left energized and affirmed in their commitment to research focused on military-affiliated students' access to and success in higher education. This gathering, the largest of its kind, hosted thousands of presentations spanning every facet of education research. Yet, of the countless presentations, fewer than 10 focused specifically on the military-affiliated community, a stark reminder of the persistent gaps in our field.

Even with so few presentations focused on the military-affiliated community, sessions attended and the conversations had made clear the urgent need for more scholarship on this topic. I had the privilege of presenting my research, "Trading in Boots for Backpacks," highlighting the barriers to success faced by veterans in higher education (this work will soon be published, amplifying insights from our case study for a broader audience). Other standout sessions included:

• "Exploring the Opportunities, Challenges, and Dilemmas of Institutional Logics as a Tool of Educational Research"
• "What Do I Do Now? Latino Combat Veterans' Experiences Enrolling in Higher Education"
• "Illuminating College Access: Shedding Light on College Readiness and Transition Experiences"
• "Student Military Service Member/Veteran Engagement with University Veteran-Focused Services: A Mixed Methods Multi-Institutional Study"

These sessions sharpened understanding of where the field must grow. Meeting fellow researchers and exchanging ideas helps reinvigorate our commitment to advocate for military-affiliated students, a population too often overlooked in education research.

We cannot ignore the broader political and social challenges at play. Even amid canceled grants, the rollback of various inclusion initiatives, and funding cuts driven by uncertainty, the spirit at AERA was one of hope and resilience. Many colleagues shared stories of last-minute travel funding cuts, yet those who made it to Denver brought unmatched dedication and passion.

Educators, like veterans, are resilient, fighting for what we believe in. As Nelson Mandela famously said, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." That belief rang true throughout the conference, as attendees remained steadfast in their commitment to the transformative power of research and learning.

Why You Should Attend AERA's Annual Meeting

If you haven't yet attended AERA, make it a priority. The conference not only provides exposure to cutting-edge research but also offers opportunities to engage deeply with peers committed to advancing education. Veterans and military-affiliated scholarship is inherently interdisciplinary, drawing from education, psychology, sociology, policy studies, and more. Attending AERA exposes scholars to diverse methodologies, theoretical frameworks, and innovative practices that challenge and expand thinking. For example, attendees were introduced to logic models and alexithymia scales-tools I had either never encountered or hadn't considered applying to my work. Attending sessions outside of our core focus inspires new ways to approach our research. Engaging broadly across disciplines fosters nuanced, holistic perspectives that ultimately strengthen the field of veterans and military-affiliated studies.

For scholars focused on military-affiliated students, AERA can be a powerful catalyst for advancing research and advocacy. It provides a platform to elevate and legitimize this critical research within the broader academic community. The conference fosters interdisciplinary exchange, opens doors for collaboration, and ensures that the unique experiences and needs of military-affiliated students are included in national and international education conversations. By participating, we not only advance our own scholarship but also collectively advocate for greater recognition and resources for a population that deserves focused, sustained inquiry.

It is more important than ever for scholars to unite. Coming together at conferences like AERA allows us to build a stronger, more resilient academic community. Collective action and shared commitment to truth and justice propel both education and veterans scholarship forward. We must amplify one another's voices, and keep pushing for a more inclusive, supportive academic environment for military-affiliated students.

About the American Educational Research Association (AERA)

The American Educational Research Association (AERA) is a leading national research society dedicated to advancing knowledge about education, fostering rigorous scholarly inquiry, and promoting the practical application of research to improve educational outcomes and serve the public good. Established in 1916, AERA works to enhance the educational process by supporting high-quality research and disseminating findings that inform policy and practice.

AERA's vibrant community includes members organized across 12 divisions and more than 150 Special Interest Groups (SIGs), reflecting the rich diversity of education research. Graduate student members benefit from the dedicated support and professional development opportunities provided by the Graduate Student Council (GSC). Additionally, the AERA Consortium of University and Research Institutions offers a platform for academic departments, research centers, and professional associations to engage with federal education research initiatives and shape research-related policy. Through these collective efforts, AERA remains at the forefront of championing research that informs and transforms education at every level.

But for all its strengths, one thing is clear: we need more voices representing military-affiliated students in these spaces. The opportunity is there, it's up to us to step in and seize it.

I hope to see you in Los Angeles in 2026! Let's work together to ensure that military-affiliated students are no longer marginalized in these essential conversations. Bring your research, your voice, and your passion to AERA-let's expand this space together.

Article Topics

Military Focused Events Research on Student Veterans Serving Military in HigherEd Veterans Academic Success Working as a Veteran in HigherEd

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