Elon Student Presents Literacy Research at State Conference

Emily O'Hearn shares findings on using picture books to teach math concepts

Mar. 18, 2026 at 12:25am

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Undergraduate Emily O'Hearn, a teaching fellow at Elon University's Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education, presented her research on the inclusion of math concepts in picture books published between 2015 and 2025 at the North Carolina Reading Association's Annual Conference in Winston-Salem.

Why it matters

The presentation of undergraduate research at a professional conference demonstrates a commitment to bridging the gap between academic study and practical application in the field of education, which can be invaluable for both the student researcher and the practicing educators in attendance.

The details

O'Hearn's research, which was funded by an Elon University Grants in Aid Award, was mentored by Associate Professor of Education Lisa Buchanan. Buchanan praised O'Hearn's ability to engage educators in an in-depth discussion of her research process and findings, as well as the potential of using picture books to teach math concepts.

  • The North Carolina Reading Association's Annual Conference took place on March 16, 2026.
  • Emily O'Hearn presented her research at the conference.

The players

Emily O'Hearn

A third-year elementary education major and Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education Teaching Fellow at Elon University who presented undergraduate research at the North Carolina Reading Association's Annual Conference.

Lisa Buchanan

An Associate Professor of Education at Elon University who served as Emily O'Hearn's research mentor.

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What they’re saying

“It was fantastic to see Emily... engage educators from across the state in an in-depth conversation of her research process and findings, then explore the possibilities of teaching math concepts through picture books.”

— Lisa Buchanan, Associate Professor of Education

The takeaway

This case highlights the value of undergraduate research and the potential for innovative teaching methods, such as using picture books to integrate math and literacy, to be showcased at professional conferences and shared with educators across the state.