Special Education (Concentration in Cognitive Neuroscience)
Doctoral of Philosophy
University of Central Florida
2023
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Faculty
Faculty
Tahnee Wilder, Ph.D., CCC-SLP
Assistant Professor
Department/Office
- Communication Sciences & Disorders
School/College
- School of Communications
Biography
Dr. Tahnee L. Wilder is a Speech-Language Pathologist and researcher with over 15 years of clinical experience, holding a Ph.D. in Special Education with a concentration in Cognitive Neuroscience from the University of Central Florida. Her research investigates how educational technology can be leveraged to enhance self-regulation and executive function skills to promote equitable access to healthcare and education for historically marginalized communities.
As a Postdoctoral Fellow at the DREAM Technical Assistance Center at Florida International University, Dr. Wilder leads educational technology integration and digital learning infrastructure initiatives focused on strengthening special education workforce preparation programs at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), including HBCUs and TCCUs. Her innovative work includes developing the RISE (Recruitment through Interaction and Strategic Enrollment) interactive map, a pioneering tool designed to help students, career changers, and policymakers easily access information about special education programs nationwide. This project earned her the Outstanding Quantitative Research Award from the Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children.
Dr. Wilder has made significant contributions in the field of Early Childhood through her work with the Florida Department of Health, where she spearheaded the development of bilingual Learning Modules for Early Steps Providers. As the Lead Designer and Developer of the Neurobehavioral Research Lab at UCF, she integrated cutting-edge bio-analytical tools including EEG, galvanic skin response, and eye tracking to study neurological behaviors in educational contexts.
A proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Dr. Wilder brings a deep commitment to service and educational equity to her work. She also serves as a Technical Editor for the International Journal of Special Education and Guest Reviewer for the Journal of Special Education Technology. Her scholarship includes co-authored publications in prestigious journals such as the Journal of Teacher Education, and she regularly presents her groundbreaking research at national and international conferences.
Dr. Wilder's research aims to bridge technology, neuroscience, and educational equity to support diverse learners in our evolving digital educational landscape. Through collaborative efforts with colleagues and community partners, she works to develop and implement evidence-based practices that can help create more inclusive learning environments.
Education & Expertise
Education
Speech and Language Pathology
Masters of Science
Nova Southeastern University
2013
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Bachelors of Arts
University of Central Florida
2008
Expertise
Educational Technology & AI Integration
- AI-enhanced learning environments
- Virtual reality in education
- Eye-tracking and biometric assessment technologies
- AI-driven interview preparation systems
Special Education
- Self-regulation strategies
- Cognitive assessment and intervention
- Inclusive education practices
Educational Neuroscience
- Cognitive flexibility and executive function
- Psychophysiological assessment
- Behavioral analytics
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB)
- Culturally responsive pedagogy
- Accessible technology implementation
- Inclusive assessment practices
- Neurodiversity-affirming approaches
Accomplishments
Accomplishments
AACTE Journal of Teacher Education (JTE) 75th Anniversary Scholar (2023)
Dr. Wilder was selected from a competitive pool of Holmes Scholars nationwide to collaborate with leading researchers Dr. Cheryl Craig, Dr. Lily Orland-Barak, Dr. Suzanne Wilson, and Dr. Megan Peercy on a landmark publication examining the future of research in teacher education. This prestigious appointment culminated in co-authorship of "Leading Teacher Education: Navigating the Tension Between Past and the Future" in the 75th anniversary special issue of JTE (Volume 75.5), one of the highest-rated journals in education.
Outstanding Quantitative Research Award (2021) from the Teacher Education Division of the Council for Exceptional Children
Dr. Wilder was recognized for developing the innovative RISE (Recruitment through Interaction and Strategic Enrollment) interactive map, a pioneering data visualization tool that revolutionizes how stakeholders access information about special education preparation programs nationwide. This web-based platform empowers high school students, career changers, current educators, and policymakers by providing comprehensive, just-in-time information about special education programs. The interactive map, hosted at www.tjeei.org/map, serves as a vital resource for addressing the critical shortage of special education teachers by making program information more accessible to potential candidates.
Related Articles
AI-Enhanced interview Success: Leveraging eye-tracking and cognitive measures to support self-regulation in college students with ADHD
This research article examines how cognitive functioning and self-regulation abilities affect the online interview performance of college students during AI-driven hiring assessments. Using advanced eye-tracking technology and the Big Interview AI platform, the study analyzed the interview behaviors of neurodiverse participants. The findings revealed a clear distinction in performance patterns: students who achieved Gold tier ratings demonstrated a balanced approach, effectively managing both content understanding and interviewer engagement. In contrast, Bronze tier performers tended to fixate primarily on content comprehension at the expense of engagement. Importantly, the study found that cognitive flexibility, as measured by NIH Card Sorting tests, serves as a strong predictor of interview success, suggesting that the ability to switch between tasks and adapt to changing situations plays a crucial role in interview performance.
Wilder, T..L., Stratchan, N., (2025). AI-Enhanced interview success: Leveraging eye-tracking and cognitive measures to support self-regulation in college students with ADHD. Education Sciences. (In Review)
Leading teacher education: Navigating the tension between past and the future.
The editorial "Leading Teacher Education: Navigating the Tension Between Past and the Future" examines the critical juncture facing teacher education as it approaches its Diamond Anniversary in 2025. The authors discuss how the field has evolved through modernizing curricula, emphasizing bilingual instruction, and integrating simulated teaching shortages and decreased job satisfaction. The piece explores three main themes: moving beyond binary solutions in teacher education, addressing identity and equity concerns (particularly in light of recent legislative changes affecting diversity in education), and embracing technological innovations like AI while maintaining human-centered approaches. The authors share that the path forward requires balancing traditional educational wisdom with innovative practices, fostering inclusive environments, and preparing educators who can adapt to the evolving complexities of modern classrooms while maintaining strong community partnerships.
Wilder, T. L., Peercy, M. M., Orland-Barak, L., & Wilson, S. (2024). Leading teacher education: Navigating the tension between past and the future. Journal of Teacher Education. https://doi.org/10.1177/00224871241284086
LEARN to succeed: Supporting executive functioning skills in diverse early childhood
Published in NAEYC's Young Children, "LEARN to succeed: Supporting executive functioning skills in diverse early childhood" introduces an innovative framework for supporting executive function development in young children from diverse backgrounds. The LEARN framework (Leveraging cultural strengths, Engaging in culturally responsive practices, Assessing individual needs, Responsive teaching strategies, and Nurturing self-regulation skills) addresses how implicit bias impacts the development and assessment of self-regulation skills in early childhood settings. The article examines how educators' unconscious biases influence their interpretations of children's behaviors and provides practical strategies for creating culturally sustaining environments that support executive function development. By combining evidence-based practices with cultural responsiveness, the framework offers educators concrete tools for supporting diverse learners while actively addressing and mitigating the impact of implicit bias in early childhood education.
Wilder, T. L., Grays, A., Young, F., Moise, D., & Theodore, S. (August 2024). Learn to succeed: Supporting executive functioning skills in diverse early childhood. NAEYC: Young Children.
Enhancing special education using AI: The intersection of personalized learning and inclusivity
Dr. Wilder's co-authored book chapter explores the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in special education, with a particular focus on creating personalized learning experiences that promote inclusivity. The chapter examines how AI technologies can be leveraged to enhance educational outcomes for students with disabilities through adaptive learning systems, real-time feedback mechanisms, and customized interventions. Drawing from current research and practical applications, the authors discuss how AI can support differentiated instruction while maintaining rigorous academic standards. The work emphasizes the importance of balancing technological innovation with evidence-based practices, highlighting strategies for implementing AI tools in ways that respect student diversity and promote educational equity. This contribution reflects Dr. Wilder's commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology with special education practices to create more accessible and effective learning environments.
Scott, L., Wilder, T L., Zaugg, T., & Romualdo, A. (2024). Enhancing special education using AI: The intersection of personalized learning and inclusivity. In A. G. Walters (Ed.), Transforming special education through artificial intelligence (pp. 45-78). IGI Global.