Research and Grants at UCLA: A Diverse Landscape of Innovation and Community Engagement
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and its affiliated institutions are hubs of groundbreaking research and community engagement initiatives. This article delves into a diverse array of projects and grants awarded to faculty and centers, highlighting the breadth and depth of scholarly pursuits and their impact on various fields. These projects span disciplines from theological studies and psychological sciences to engineering and law, reflecting a commitment to addressing pressing societal challenges and advancing knowledge across a wide spectrum.
Supporting Education and Community Initiatives
Several grants focus on bolstering educational opportunities and community development. Kyo Yamashiro from the School of Education received funding from UCLA/California Community Foundation for a project titled "Youth Thriving Through Learning in Community Schools: A Research-Practice Partnership Consortium." This initiative underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between research and practice to support the holistic development of young people within community schools.
Magaly Lavadenz, also from the School of Education, was awarded a grant from the Stuart Foundation for a project aimed at "Improving Life Outcomes for Young People through Education." This project highlights the critical role of education in shaping the future of young individuals and fostering positive life trajectories.
Sister Rosemarie Nassif from the School of Education, Center for Catholic Education, received funding from the Dan Murphy Foundation for PLACE (Partners in Los Angeles Catholic Education). This initiative likely supports partnerships aimed at strengthening Catholic education in the Los Angeles area.
Sha-De Chapman from the School of Education, Upward Bound, received funding from the California Department of Education for the LMU Summer Food Service Program. This program addresses the critical need for food security among students during the summer months, ensuring they have access to nutritious meals even when school is not in session.
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Heather Tarleton from Academic Affairs received funding from the California Department of Health Care Access and Information for a project titled Peer Specialist for Youth Training.
Kurt Brunner from University Advancement, Development, was awarded funding from the Max H. Gluck Foundation for The Max H. Gluck Foundation Community Outreach Initiative.
Addressing Social Justice and Community Needs
A significant portion of the grants is dedicated to addressing social justice issues and meeting the needs of underserved communities. Cheryl Grills from Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts, Psychological Sciences, received multiple grants from various organizations, including the California Endowment, the California Wellness Foundation, and the Weingart Foundation, for a project titled "Preventing and Ending Homelessness in the City of Los Angeles: A Qualitative Study." These grants highlight the urgent need to understand and address the complex issue of homelessness in Los Angeles through in-depth qualitative research. Grills also received funding from the city of Los Angeles Mayor’s Office for a project titled "Gang Reduction & Youth Development (GRYD) Program Data Management," indicating a focus on using data-driven approaches to reduce gang violence and support youth development.
Yanira Lemus from Loyola Law School, Loyola Immigrant Justice Clinic, was awarded funding from the California Department of Social Services for a project titled "Loyola Immigrant Justice Clinic." This clinic provides crucial legal services to immigrants, ensuring they have access to justice and fair treatment under the law.
Elizabeth Bluestein from Loyola Law School, Social Justice Clinic, received funding from the California Access to Justice Commission for a project titled "Infrastructure to improve civil legal services delivery in Loyola Social Justice Law Clinic." This project focuses on strengthening the infrastructure necessary to provide effective civil legal services to those in need.
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Sara Campos from Loyola Law School, Center for Conflict Resolution, was awarded funding from the County of Los Angeles for Conflict Resolution Training.
Sean Kennedy from Loyola Law School, LLS Center for Juvenile Law and Policy, was awarded funding from The California Wellness Foundation for the Independent Forensic Gang Expert Training Program.
Michele Romolini from Seaver College of Science and Engineering, Center for Urban Resilience, was awarded funding from the County of Los Angeles for Restorative Justice Training.
Advancing Scientific Research and Innovation
Several grants support cutting-edge scientific research and innovation across various fields. Emily Hawkins from Seaver College of Science and Engineering, Physics, was awarded funding from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for a project titled "Experimental Investigation of Vital Nutrient Transport in Icy Ocean Worlds." This project contributes to our understanding of the potential for life beyond Earth by studying nutrient transport in icy ocean worlds.
Junyuan Lin from Seaver College of Science and Engineering, Mathematics, was awarded funding from the National Science Foundation for a project titled "LEAPS-MPS: Spectral Algorithms for Dynamic Social Networks and Knowledge Graphs." This project focuses on developing advanced algorithms for analyzing dynamic social networks and knowledge graphs, which have applications in various fields, including social science, computer science, and engineering.
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Anna Bargagliotti from Seaver College of Science and Engineering, Mathematics Department, was awarded funding from the National Science Foundation for a project titled Collaborative Research: Equity of Access to Computer Science: Factors Impacting the Characteristics and Success of Undergraduate CS Majors.
Alissa Crans from Seaver College of Science and Engineering, Mathematics, was awarded funding from the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) for her ongoing project titled Project NExT: New Experiences in Teaching.
Exploring Arts, Culture, and Spirituality
The grants also reflect a commitment to exploring arts, culture, and spirituality. Nirinjan Khalsa from Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts, Theological Studies, was awarded funding from the Uberoi Foundation for a project titled "Reviving and Decolonizing Sikh Music, Memory, Identity." This project aims to revitalize and decolonize Sikh music, memory, and identity, contributing to a deeper understanding and appreciation of Sikh culture.
Christopher Chapple from Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts, Theological Studies, received funding from the Frederick P. for one year. Cecilia Gonzalez-Andrieu, Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts, Theological Studies, was awarded funding from The Lilly Network of Church-Related Colleges and University for a project titled El Reino de Dios: Celebration, Interrogation & Imagination ACHTUS Colloquium 2025.
Amir Hussain, Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts, Theological Studies, was awarded funding from the Lilly Endowment for a project titled LMU Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative Assessment and Planning Grant.
Promoting Collaboration and Interdisciplinary Research
Many of the grants promote collaboration and interdisciplinary research, bringing together experts from different fields to address complex challenges. Jason Baehr from Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts, Philosophy, was awarded funding from Georgetown University/Templeton World Charity Foundation for a project titled "AI Modeling of Character Strengths to Predict Educational and Holistic Outcomes of Human Flourishing." This project combines philosophy and artificial intelligence to model character strengths and predict educational outcomes.
Mairead Sullivan from Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts, Women’s and Gender Studies, was awarded funding from the Lily Network of Church Related Colleges and Universities for a project titled Core Director Collaboration Network and funding from the Andrew W.
Shalini Ramachandran and Michele Romolini from Academic Affairs, Global -Local Initiatives, CURes, were awarded funding from the Carol and James Collins Foundation for a project titled Restorative Justice.
Gina Chavez and Magaly Lavadenz, School of Education, Center for Equity for English Learners (CEEL), were awarded funding by the University of California, Office of the President, for the LMU California Reading and Literature Project.
Jaime Hazlitt, Victoria Graf and Marta Sanchez, School of Education, Teaching and Learning, were awarded funding by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, for a project titled California Educator Preparation Innovation Collaborative Network (CalEPIC).
Supporting Local Initiatives and Community Engagement
Several grants focus on supporting local initiatives and fostering community engagement in the Los Angeles area. Brianne Gilbert from Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts, StudyLA, received multiple grants from various organizations, including the Riordan Foundation, the Eli & Edythe Broad Foundation, the Ballmer Group, AltaMed Health Services Corporation, and the Los Angeles World Airports, for projects such as "StudyLA Projects," "2026 Primary Election," "Community Action Project LA," "AltaMed Survey on L.A. Workplace Culture," and "LAWA Inclusivity Data Advising and Oversight Study." These projects demonstrate a commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of the Los Angeles community through research, data analysis, and community engagement. Gilbert also received funding from the Regents of the University of California, Los Angeles, pursuant to contract with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, for a one-year project titled Equity Metrics Data Initiatives.
David Choi from the College of Business Administration, Management Program, was awarded funding from the Local Initiatives Support Corporation, for a project titled LISC LA. Choi was also awarded funding from LISC Ascend for a project titled Ascend L.A.
Michele Romolini from Seaver College of Science and Engineering, Center for Urban Resilience, was awarded funding the Nature Conservancy for The Nature Conservancy Contract and funding from the Tree People for a project titled Gateway Cities Regional Climate Collaborative (GCRCC).
Marki Jones from the College of Business Administration, Center for International Business, was awarded funding from the D.K. Kim Foundation for a project titled D.K.
Demian Willette and Eric Strauss, Academic Affairs, Center for the Study of Los Angeles (StudyLA), was awarded a contract by LMU Ethnic Media Studies for a project titled LA River Survey Contract.
Enhancing Teaching and Learning
Wendy Binder, Seaver College of Science and Engineering, Health and Human Sciences, was awarded funding by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) for a project titled Driving Change Learning Grant.
Methodological Considerations in Research
The information about the webinar highlights the importance of methodological rigor in research, particularly when using questionnaires to collect data. Reliability and validity are crucial concepts in ensuring the consistency and accuracy of research findings. These analyses are recommended whether using pre-established or newly developed questionnaires.
Additionally, the information about Biographical Sketches submitted to the National Science Foundation (NSF) required for proposals must now be generated using SciENcv (Science Experts Network Curriculum Vitae), underscores the importance of standardized formats and digital identifiers (ORCID ID) in maintaining and sharing professional data.
