Faculty and Staff Grants From December 2024

Promoting Ethical Approaches to Policy Engagement

• Rachel Epstein, Josef Korbel School of International Studies
• Funder: Carnegie Corporation of New York
• Abstract: Scholars of international affairs regularly engage with policymakers and are at times in a position to influence policy processes directly. However, this engagement often occurs without adequate awareness of or preparation for common ethical challenges that arise in the process. Our aim is to encourage ethical reflexivity, help researchers anticipate dilemmas that may arise during policy engagement, and provide tools and resources that will allow them to make the best possible decisions for their own integrity and for the quality of their policy interventions.

SDG Achievement in Iraq and the Potential for a Green Economy

• Jonathan Moyer, Josef Korbel School of International Studies
• Funder: Restricted
• Abstract: Pardee will collaboratively work with identified stakeholders and experts to explore the future of development in Iraq.

Illuminating the Hidden Machinery Powering WR Binary Dust Factories

• Jennifer Hoffman, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
• Funder: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
• Abstract: We will investigate how interstellar dust is produced in massive binary systems by combining high- resolution IR images from JWST with time-sensitive spectropolarimetric monitoring of a sample of evolved carbon-rich Wolf-Rayet binary stars. Through this novel application, we will close the gap in our understanding of the role these dust producing binaries play in the composition of our universe today.

Professional Learning Training

• Alissa Rausch, Morgridge College of Education
• Funder: State of Washington (subaward Department of Education - DOED)
• Abstract: The OSPI Inclusionary Practices Technical Assistance Network (IPTN) in Washington has been designed to shift away from the “sorting machine” mentality that has resulted in inequitable results for students with disabilities, especially those with intersecting BIPOC identities and intellectual and developmental disabilities. PEP will deliver responsive technical assistance to support providers and their organizations to dismantle ableist systems and exclusionary practices within the current special education system that hinder students' inclusion in general education settings.

Inclusionary Practices Technical Assistance Network

• Alissa Rausch, Morgridge College of Education
• Funder: State of Washington
• Abstract: PEP staff will deliver responsive technical assistance (TA) through an initial training series and a follow up, ongoing Community of Practice. TA activities will follow the ECHO model in which participants first learn content and then apply it through case-based learning by discussing in depth issues, or struggles, and working together to support and offer guidance and feedback.

ECMH Reporting Systemization (Early Childhood Mental Health Consulting)

• Jessica Francis, Graduate School of Social Work
• Funder: Colorado Department of Early Childhood
• Abstract: (1) creating a full annual report based on analysis of existing data and newly-obtained workforce data, (2), developing and administering an annual workforce survey, and (3) establishing processes, practices, and protocols and engaging in coaching to equip the CDEC and state intermediary team to report annually on ECMHC in Colorado.

How Regional Public Universities Provide Value: State Policy Mechanisms and Institutional Characteristics that Foster Student Success

• Cecilia Orphan, Morgridge College of Education
• Funder: Arnold Ventures
• Abstract: The proposed research project will identify Regional Public Universities (RPUs) that generate positive student outcomes and intensively investigate the policy mechanisms and institutional conditions and characteristics that generate these outcomes.

Provision of Therapy at Thriving Families

• Yunying (Annie) Le, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
• Funder: Thriving Families (subaward Thriving Families Colorado)
• Abstract: Dr. Maria-Ernestina Christl and Dr. Adi Rosenthal will provide evidence-based mental health services for Thriving Families clients on location at Thriving Families. Additionally, they will receive one-on-one supervision with the Director of Clinical Training at Thriving Families, participate in group supervision meetings, provide supervised supervision to externs, and participate in administrative meetings and duties and fundraising efforts.

Impacts of service dogs on military veterans PTSD symptoms and post-traumatic growth

• Kevin Morris & Jaci Gandenberger, Graduate School of Social Work
• Funder: The Human Animal Bond Research Initiative Foundation (subaward HABRI)
• Abstract: The proposed study sits within a larger ongoing research project aimed at understanding the molecular biology of how the health and well-being of both military veterans with PTSD and their service dogs are impacted by their pairings. While the larger research project focuses on PTSD symptom reduction elicited by the service dogs, the proposed study extends to understanding if and how the pairing drives positive clinical goals associated with post-traumatic growth (PTG), including greater appreciation of life and improved personal relationships.

Implement and Grow Program Intermediaries: Fostering Healthy Futures (FHF) in Colorado

• Heather Taussig, Graduate School of Social Work
• Funder: University of Colorado Health Sciences Center (subaward Colorado Department of Human Services)
• Abstract: Dr. Heather Taussig will work with Fostering Healthy Futures (FHF) program staff at the University of Colorado to achieve 3 goals: 1) Expand the number of communities who are ready to deliver FHF. 2) Enhance program operations, effectiveness, and sustainability. 3) Identify strategies for using FHF as a step-down or prevention option for youth in QRTP and/or day treatment and other strategies that align with prevention of youth homelessness and FFPSA goals.

Evaluate fruit and vegetable benefit redemption patterns among Inter Tribal Council of Arizona WIC households after recent policy changes

• Emily Melnick, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
• Funder: University of Colorado Denver (subaward Department of Health and Human Services - DHHS)
• Abstract: Less than half of American Indian (AI) children meet fruit and vegetable intake recommendations. Recent expanded redemption options in WIC and CVB (cash value benefits) aim to increase participant fruit and vegetable consumption. Our study partners at The Inter Tribal Council of Arizona (ITCA) WIC want to learn about the uptake of these options and effects on redemption.

BankSafe

• Eric Chess, Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science
• Funder: AARP
• Abstract: This project will identify and summarize existing measures and scales on financial exploitation of older adults. From this information, we will create a document that summarizes the existing measures and scales and including the pros and cons of these scales and the gaps in measurement.

How Security Programs in Disordered States Shape the Global Order

• Naazneen Barma, Josef Korbel School of International Studies
• Funder: Univ of California (subaward Carnegie Corporation of New York)
• Abstract: A patchwork of multi-actor security networks has emerged to provide security in fragile and conflict-affected countries around the world. We seek to understand who is asked to build security in fragile states, who accepts, and how the supplied partnerships shape the global order? We examine these questions by conducting research and holding consultations in places where multi-actor networks are proliferating, via partnerships among scholars and practitioners located in North America, the Pacific, Southeast Asia, and West Africa.