Dr. Allison Lombardi

Biography

Allison Lombardi is a Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Psychology and Special Education at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Her research focuses on the transition from adolescence to adulthood, with a particular emphasis on college and career readiness and the higher education experiences of students with disabilities. Dr. Lombardi is currently involved in various research projects aimed at developing and testing effective curricula and assessments while improving transition services for disabled youth and young adults. She has successfully secured over $14 million in external funding for her research from federal and state agencies, including the Institute of Education Sciences, the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, and the National Science Foundation. With a prolific output, she has published more than 75 articles in peer-reviewed journals and authored 10 book chapters. Additionally, Dr. Lombardi serves as a co-editor for the journal Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, which is the official journal of the Council for Exceptional Children’s Division on Career Development and Transition. Prior to her current position, she was an Associate Professor at the University of Connecticut from 2012 to 2024, where she taught courses in the Special Education Program and directed online graduate certificate programs.

Research Interests