Interdisciplinary Health Sciences Institute at the University of Illinois’ Post

Community-engaged researchers at #Illinois are invited to join for an information session Oct. 30 at 10 a.m. to learn more about the Community-Academic Scholars Program. This program provides substantive support for community-engaged research, transformational learning opportunities for students, and impactful community collaboration. During the info session, participants will learn more about the program and hear from researchers who have participated in the program. College of Applied Health Sciences at Illinois' Mina Raj and Meaghan McKenna will discuss their experience as academic mentors. Here are quotes from a few other academic mentors who have participated in the program as well! All Illinois community-engaged researchers are encouraged to apply, as the program seeks to address the multiple dimensions, determinants, and expanse of areas that affect human health and well-being. You can find a link to the application in our Linktree! If you cannot attend the info session, please be sure to register for Zoom details to receive a notification when the recording is available: https://lnkd.in/gtgmSqTh *** About The Community Academic Scholars Program: Now in its seventh year, the Community-Academic Scholars program matches researchers with undergraduate research assistants who receive training, guidance, and a stipend to support their success. Beyond the summer program, researchers are invited to engage with IHSI to continue developing their projects. Community-Academic Scholars have diverse interests and skillsets, and all share a commitment to making an impact in our community. Preference is given to undergraduates with a demonstrated passion for or personal connection to the research being conducted. Previous mentors have shared that their scholars’ contributions and insights have been invaluable to their research projects, and that these mentoring relationships have also been personally rewarding. CAS is made possible in part with the support from the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Illinois.

“How funding flows and projects are led reflects an assumption in the field that research-practice partnerships require seasoned researchers, and there is a limited pool of talent for these roles, particularly talent that reflects the communities being studied and served. We challenged this assumption by recruiting emerging scholars with connections to minoritized communities as leaders of the project’s research-practice partnerships. What we found, as we reviewed the applicant pool, was an abundance of riches—young scholars with exceptional life trajectories exemplifying their mobilization of cultural and community assets to succeed in the exclusionary academic system.” More on our EFIN project in CLA Blog - What Might an Asset-Based Postdoctoral Fellowship Look Like? Lessons Learned from the First Year of the Equitable Futures Innovation Network https://lnkd.in/dwkckcN #AcademicEquity #Research #ResearchPractice

Pursuing a doctoral degree is a significant commitment that presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities, regardless of the academic discipline. Each field, from the sciences to the humanities, has its specific hurdles and support systems, but what commonalities exist, and how do they differ? Our recent study delves into the support structures within doctoral programs across various disciplines, highlighting the kinds of assistance students receive. This includes financial aid, mental health resources, academic advisement, and community support. We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of how these elements influence student success and well-being across different areas of study. The findings indicate that while the type of support varies across disciplines, the importance of a strong support system for doctoral students is universal. For those considering a doctoral journey, as well as for academic advisors and institutions, understanding these support dynamics is essential. To further this discussion, we have produced a video that complements our study, now available on our YouTube channel. This video provides additional insights, including interviews with experts and doctoral students, offering a more in-depth look into our findings and recommendations for navigating the doctoral process effectively, regardless of your field of study. Watch our video to gain a deeper understanding of doctoral support systems and how this information can be applied to enhance your academic journey. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gAfaM-tF Remember to engage with our content by liking, sharing, and subscribing for more updates on our research and insights into academic success. #DoctoralSupport #AcademicResearch #Education #PhDStudy

As the Director of Research and Innovation at Laurentian University/Université Laurentienne University, I frequently hear from partners in our community on how we can focus, build and expand our research strengths to tackle industry, societal, health, and environmental challenges and how we should support regional workforce development and address the evolving skills demands of the local and regional labour markets. Now, we’re offering you the opportunity to help shape these critical strategies! Today, Laurentian launched a comprehensive consultation process for our academic and strategic research plans. This process isn’t just about faculty, students, and alumni—it’s about bringing in voices from across the community. Whether you’re from another postsecondary institution, an industry partner, an employer, or an organization that has an interest in the future of Laurentian, we want to hear from you. Together, we can build strategies that guide the future of Laurentian, driving innovation, collaboration, and excellence in research and academics. Your insights will play a vital role in ensuring our goals reflect our commitment to making a meaningful impact in our region and beyond. I invite you to take a few moments to complete one or both of our surveys and lend your voice to this important initiative. Let's create a future built on shared vision and collaboration! #academicplan #strategicresearchplan #university #engagement #consultation #community #research #innovation #excellence #collaboration

𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗧𝗞𝗪 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰𝘀 We are passionate about advancing academic research. Our industry experience in the academic sector is a testament to our commitment to collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing. Industry Focus: Academic Collaborative Research We thrive on collaboration and partner with universities, academic researchers, and institutions—both within Australia and internationally. We bring a practical perspective to academic research projects, working hand in hand with scholars to bridge the gap between theory and real-world application. Academic Surveys Understanding human attitudes, behaviors, and experiences is at the heart of academic research. TKW Research has been an integral part of academic surveys that capture the insights of diverse population groups. Our data serves as a valuable resource for academic researchers across various disciplines, especially in the social sciences. Longitudinal Studies Longitudinal research, which tracks the same subjects over extended periods, is a cornerstone of academic inquiry. We excel in this area, often collaborating with universities and academic institutions on projects that require the consistent collection of data over time. These studies provide insights into human development and societal trends. We are honored to contribute to the academic community's pursuit of knowledge. Our dedication to rigorous research methods and unwavering commitment to ethical standards ensures that our work makes a meaningful impact on academic scholarship. At TKW Research, we are here to help drive your academic endeavors forward. #TKWResearch #academicresearch #datainsights #longitudinalstudies #researchpartnerships

💥 "The US should not take these international postdocs for granted." #International #postdoctoral #students working in the US who earned their PhDs in other countries earn less and receive less mentoring than do American postdocs educated in the US, says a study published last month in the journal Elsevier. In the study, “New evidence on international postdocs in the US: Less pay, different experiences”, professors Megan MacGarvie and Shulamit Kahn, both of whom teach markets, public policy and law at Questrom School of Business, Boston University, also found that international #postdocs with a #PhD from outside the country were 11% less likely to have paid sick leave than were international postdocs who had a US PhD and almost three percentage points less likely to have employer-provided #healthcare. In its first large scale and representative study of its kind in the US, MacGarvie’s team studied 2,801 #STEM postdocs drawn from 10,993 who in 2017 answered the Early Career Doctoral Survey compiled by the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) at the National Science Foundation (NSF), an agency of the US government. 👁 👁 Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/dzAZ-J2N #highered #universities #intled #internationalstudents #migrants #TNE #studyabroad #science #research #academicpublishing

👍 Providing undergraduate research experiences has been a win-win in computational social science and responsible data science since I arrived at Pitt. This is a great guide to systematically increasing opportunities for practical and valuable skills for all students. Responsible Data Science@Pitt

Research isn’t just for academia or universities—it transforms education in powerful ways when we bring it to community colleges. At Madison College, the Institute for Equity and Transformational Change (IETC) empowers faculty, staff, and students to identify systemic challenges and create practical, equity-centered solutions. This approach not only enhances learning but also underscores the critical role community colleges play in advancing academic innovation and inclusion. I have the pleasure of working closely with Dr. Michele Turner, IETC’s Lead Researcher, who eloquently puts it: “Action Research is about action. We’re making impacts and tracking outcomes.” This work truly bridges the gap between research and practice, ensuring that findings directly benefit students, educators, and community members alike. From innovative projects like linguistic equity training to fostering neurodiversity inclusion, Action Research at Madison College isn’t just about identifying problems—it’s about creating lasting solutions that uplift underrepresented voices and advance equity in education. I am very proud to be part of this team and to support researchers in their journey! I’m happy to be helping organize the THRIVE Conference 2025 with Dr. Turner and Dr. Jimmy Cheffen, happening on March 28, 2025, with the theme: Empowering Higher Education to Grow, Develop, and Succeed. Students are also encouraged to submit proposals and even present their research, with full support from Madison College’s Writing Center to prepare. Thank you Susanne Olson Treiber and Sarah Johnson for the partnership 😍 More information coming soon! https://lnkd.in/dtNT2-4a #ActionResearch #CommunityColleges #THRIVEConference2025 #EquityInEducation #HigherEdInnovation

Is this one of the best packages a PhD program can offer in 2024❓ I am happy to see more programs step up to provide this level of support A mentee received a very generous offer, including a $45K stipend, full tuition coverage, and additional benefits. This level of support acknowledges the value of their academic contributions and ensures they can focus on their research without the burden of financial stress. Livable stipends are essential for allowing PhD students to thrive academically and personally. Programs that invest in their students by providing comprehensive funding packages enable scholars to reach their full potential. Kudos to the University of Chicago. I advocate for all PhD programs to prioritize and increase funding for their students. Programs should ensure that financial barriers do not hinder the pursuit of knowledge and innovation. In 2020, I received two PhD offers without funding. Of course, I rejected both! If you have a PhD offer without funding, will you accept it❓ Why do you think PhD programs offer admissions with no realistic mechanism for students to pay their tuition or living expenses ❓ How much stipend do you think is enough for a PhD program❓ #PhD #Funding #Research #HigherEducation #GraduateSchool

I have noticed a pattern of international students with Masters not getting admission to top PhD programs in public health. (2 Reasons) First, 📌 I believe many top programs hold the perception that MPH programs conducted overseas do not meet the rigorous standards expected by top-tier Ph.D. programs. Why? Because most applicants I know are often offered the opportunity to enroll in another master's instead of the Ph.D. they applied for. Most often, an MSc to "prove" their academic capabilities. This places unnecessary financial and time burdens on the candidates. Second, 📌 Some top programs use research experience and publications as critical admission criteria. This metric disproportionately affects international students. Why? Many international students come from regions with limited access to research facilities. This makes it a daunting task to gain the necessary exposure and publications required for PhD programs. ************** Top institutions need to recognize these disparities and perhaps recalibrate their expectations. or Create support mechanisms to ensure that all candidates, irrespective of geographical or socioeconomic backgrounds, have a fair chance at proving their potential. ******************* 🌍 What are your thoughts? Do you know anyone with a Master's outside the US/UK who gained admission to a top-ranked public health-related Ph.D. program? Tag the person #HigherEducation #PhDAdmissions #InternationalStudents #DiversityInAcademia #GlobalEducation #graduateschool