Jun Ai is an Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Special Education and  interdisciplinary early childhood at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Director of the Social-Emotional and Behavioral Learning Research Lab. Her research focuses on strengthening early intervention and early childhood special education through evidence-based social-emotional and behavioral supports, inclusive and culturally responsive practices, and effective practitioner preparation.

Her scholarship examines how evidence-based practices can be implemented and sustained across classrooms, families, and communities to improve outcomes for young children with and at risk for disabilities. Her current work includes culturally responsive behavioral and instructional supports for autistic children and their families, early childhood social-emotional and behavioral development, and the preparation and coaching of practitioners serving young children with diverse needs.

Professor Ai uses quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods, and single-case research designs and collaborates with educators, families, community organizations, and interdisciplinary researchers in the United States and internationally. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D) and brings prior professional experience as a preschool teacher, special educator, and applied behavior analyst to her research, teaching, and community engagement.