Jonathan Vontsteen, Ph.D.

Dr. Jonathan Vontsteen (Lollar) is the student development specialist for the IDEA Center. His role is to provide professional development for aspiring student researchers. He provides multiple workshops a semester on research and soft skills for students. Students of all levels may also book an appointment with Dr. Vontsteen to get assistance with IRB/IACUC approval, survey and methods design, data collection, analysis, and research publishing. 

Dr. Vontsteen is a first-gen student with an MA in Applied Ethics and Philosophy and later a PhD in Developmental Education with a concentration in learning support. His research is focused on developmental education policy, learning frameworks course interventions, professional development, and prison education. He has taught philosophy (PHIL 1320, Ethics and Society) and a learning frameworks course in educational psychology (EDP 1350, Effective Learning), and has unique experience working with neurodiverse students, students inside prisons, low-income and first-generation students. 

He is also the lead editor for the Journal of College Academic Support Programs and past president of the Texas College Reading and Learning Association. He has won several awards from the College Reading and Learning Association, International College Learning Center Association, and the National Organization for Student Success. He also holds coaching and learning assistance certifications with the International College Learning Center Association, th Association for the Coaching and Tutoring Profession, LifeBound, and CIMER.