February 1, 2026
The Learning Research and Development Center (LRDC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jennifer Iriti as Associate Director for Applied Practice and Partnerships, effective February 1, 2026. In this role, Dr. Iriti will serve as a member of the LRDC leadership team and will play a central strategic role in advancing the Center's mission as a nationally recognized leader in the learning and educational sciences.
A core focus of the position is the development and expansion of research-to-practice partnerships (RPPs) within the University of Pittsburgh and with external partners, including local and regional K-12 school districts and community organizations. Through these efforts, LRDC will continue to expand its role as a hub for translating evidence-based research into scalable and sustainable educational innovations.
Dr. Iriti currently provides leadership for the Learning Sciences and Emergent Technology Hub (LSET), an initiative that brings together faculty, learning scientists, technologists, and practitioners to address shared problems of practice and develop evidence-based approaches to emerging challenges in teaching and learning. This cross-disciplinary, impact-oriented work exemplifies the research-to-practice model that will be further advanced through this new role. Within the University, Dr. Iriti will work to deepen connections between LRDC, and schools, departments, centers, and administrative units focused on teaching, learning, and student success. Initiatives will include identifying strategic opportunities for cross-unit collaboration and supporting faculty and research staff engaged in applied and partnership-based work.
LRDC is also pleased to note that Dr. Lindsay Clare Matsumura will continue in her role as Associate Director of Education and Research, where she has provided instrumental leadership for the Center's educational and research missions.
Through these leadership roles, LRDC looks forward to expanding its impact on learners, educators, and educational systems at the University of Pittsburgh and beyond.
