Julie Planke Lewis, PhD

Julie Planke Lewis, Ph.D., is a Research Senior Associate at The Ohio State University’s Center on Education and Training for Employment, where she serves on the Family Engagement team. In this role, she manages projects, develops research-based resources, and facilitates learning opportunities for families and educators. She leads family-facing programming through the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center in collaboration with schools and community organizations. She also contributes to translational research examining effective strategies for engaging and supporting families. Her professional interests center on early childhood education, the role of interconnected relationships and systems in supporting children’s learning and development, and the implementation of research-based practices in educational and community settings. 

 

Julie earned her Ph.D. in Educational Studies, specializing in Educational Psychology, from The Ohio State University. Her doctoral research examined the implementation of kindergarten transition practices and their relationships with children’s early school experiences and family–school partnerships. She also holds a master’s degree in psychology and a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a concentration in psychobiology, both from the State University of New York at New Paltz. Prior to her current role, Julie conducted research at Ohio State’s Crane Center for Early Childhood Research and Policy, taught undergraduate psychology courses, and served as a Manager of Information Systems at a nonprofit organization supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. In this role, she led data management, analytics, and organizational training initiatives to support service delivery and inform decision-making. At the heart of Julie’s work is a commitment to connecting research and practice in ways that empower families, foster meaningful connections, and cultivate environments where children can thrive. 

 

Outside of work, Julie enjoys studying and practicing yoga, getting creative in the kitchen, and spending time with her husband and their beloved dog, Brady.