A Division of the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision
Cultivating research that changes the field
To cultivate a collaborative research community that advances culturally relevant counselor education and supervision, strengthens evidence-informed practice, and contributes to national leadership in research, training, and policy impact.
Our Mission
Advancing knowledge that transforms practice
To provide services to ACES members to enhance the research capacity and output of research that will inform public policy, enhance counselor training, and counseling practice. The mission of the ACES Research Center is to advance the field of counselor education and supervision by supporting members in developing research skills and knowledge, generating high-quality scholarship, and securing research funding that informs the profession, training, strengthens counseling practice, improves student and client outcomes, and contributes to public policy.
Work with us
Expert consultation
Whether you’re designing a study, writing a grant, or making sense of your data, our consultants bring deep expertise and a collaborative spirit to every engagement.
- Research Design & Methodology
- Grant Writing & Strategy
- Quantitative & Qualitative Analysis
- Publication Support & Manuscript Review
- IRB Navigation & Research Ethics
- Program Evaluation & Assessment
Our Consultants
Grants, Funding, & Support
Funding opportunities for ACES members
The ACES Research Center supports your research at every stage — including finding and securing the funding to make it happen. Explore ACES Internal Grants, awarded annually to projects that advance our understanding of counselor education and supervision, and connect with external and foundation funding opportunities curated specifically for counselors and counselor educators. Our expert consultants are here to help you write stronger proposals and build evaluation plans that get funded.
Center Affiliates
Research Center Affiliates
The ACES Research Center Affiliates are a network of expert researchers who partner with the Center to provide specialized research and grant-related services. Affiliates are called upon on an as-needed basis, allowing the Center to remain responsive, flexible, and equipped to meet the diverse needs of individuals, organizations, and institutions.
Our Affiliates
Dr. Kelly L. Wester
Ph.D., NCC, LCMHC
Professor & Chair, Counseling and Educational Development, University of North Carolina-Greensboro
Dr. Kelly L. Wester is a Professor and Department Chair at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She has been teaching research methodology and mentoring in the research process to master’s and doctoral students for over 25 years. She has a co-authored book, Making Research Relevant: Applied Research Designs for Mental Health Professionals, 2nd ed. and many peer refereed articles on research designs, methodology, analyses, and research training.
Dr. Michael Brooks
Ph.D., NCC, LCMHC-S
Professor, Counseling, North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University
Michael Brooks, Ph.D., is a counselor educator, researcher, and international scholar whose work focuses on counselor education, professional identity development, faculty career readiness, multicultural counseling, and global learning experiences. He is Professor in the Department of Counseling at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, where he teaches, mentors doctoral students, and leads innovative research initiatives. Dr. Brooks has developed nationally recognized study abroad programs that examine Black internationalism, cultural identity, and global leadership while expanding access to transformative international experiences for historically underrepresented students. His scholarship and grantsmanship explore faculty development, mentoring, behavioral threat assessment, and the preparation of future counselor educators through culturally responsive and evidence-informed practices. Through research, teaching, and professional leadership, Dr. Brooks is committed to advancing equity, innovation, and excellence within counselor education and the broader counseling profession.
Affiliate Services
The ACES Research Center prioritizes engagement of Affiliates whenever additional expertise or project capacity is needed. Affiliate services may include:
Research and program evaluation
Grant development, writing, and evaluation
Data analysis and interpretation
Development and delivery of workshops, trainings, and webinars
Creation of educational resources and microcredentials
Support for special projects and strategic initiatives
Data visualization and dissemination planning
Project-Based Services
Request a Project or Specialized Service
The ACES Research Center Affiliates are a network of expert researchers who partner with the Center to provide specialized research and grant-related services. Affiliates are called upon on an as-needed basis, allowing the Center to remain responsive, flexible, and equipped to meet the diverse needs of individuals, organizations, and institutions.
Professional Development
Build and sharpen your research skills
Curated training programs for counselor educators at every stage of their scholarly journey.
Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR)
Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) is a collaborative approach to research that positions youth as co‑researchers of relevant issues in their lives, schools, and communities. In this webinar, Dr. Ian Levy outlines the core principles and theoretical foundations of YPAR.
Presenter(s):
Ian Levy, Ed.D.
Utilizing Photovoice in Counselor Education
This session introduces participants to photovoice, a participatory research and pedagogical methodology that uses photography and narrative reflection to explore lived experience, voice, and social context
Presenter(s):
Corrine Sackett, Ph.D., LMFT
A Guide to Conducting SEM in Counseling Research
Structural equation modeling (SEM) is an advanced statistical method that serves a critical role in developing knowledge for the counseling profession. It allows counseling researchers to validate theoretical constructs and models or confirm the factor structure of a newly developed instrument.
Presenter(s):
Stephanie A. Crockett, PhD, NCC
Applying Longitudinal Studies in Counselor Education: Challenges and Opportunities
This presentation explores the application of longitudinal studies in counselor education, emphasizing their importance in tracking changes over time. It discusses the advantages and challenges of using longitudinal data to monitor client progress and inform counselor training programs.
Presenter(s):
Jessica Gonzalez-Voller, PhD, NCC, LPC, LMHC
Single-Case Research Designs
This session will provide an overview about single-case research designs (SCRDs) with a focus on design and implementation within counselor education and supervision settings. Program materials also identify and explore strategies for appraising SCRD evidence within the published literature.
Presenter(s):
Stephen Lenz, PhD, LPC-S