Last week, the Public Policy Center concluded its 2024 Fellowship for Qualitative Research and Researcher-in-Residence Program. This year’s summer programs featured a wide range of unique and impactful projects developed by a cohort of faculty from multiple disciplines and departments within the university.  

These five-week programs, which kick off in mid-June, provide participants with private office space at the Public Policy Research Building, weekly check-ins with PPC core staff, development opportunities and workshops, as well as up to $1,500 in funding to cover related research expenses.  

“The Public Policy Center was proud to support such a diverse range of projects this summer,” said Mark Berg, director of the PPC. “These programs allow us to provide faculty the collaborative space, time, and resources necessary to develop cutting-edge social science research, which is one of the primary missions of our center.”  

Faculty-led projects 

Alison Bianchi, associate professor of sociology, Mary Cohen, professor of music education, and Allison Rowe, assistant professor of art education, received support through the PPC’s Fellowship for Qualitative Research program. Bianchi, who primarily does quantitative research, was eager to utilize the fellowship as an opportunity to not only re-familiarize herself with qualitative methodology, but to investigate a declining trend of male participation in experimental research.  

Rowe and Cohen both pursued topics related to the intersection of the arts and the social sciences during their time in the fellowship. Rowe’s project examines the impact of socially engaged art on teens in the state of Iowa, while Cohen set the groundwork for a participatory study that highlights music-making as a means of diversion for youth in conflict with the law.  

With support from the Summer Researcher-in-Residence program, Amber Powell, assistant professor of sociology, and Megan Gilster, associate professor of social work, tackled topics which address systemic weaknesses affecting vulnerable populations.  

Drawing on her experience as a sexual assault victim advocate, Powell’s project focuses on the sexual victimization of formerly incarcerated individuals, exploring the benefits and pitfalls of legislation like the Prison Rape Elimination Act. Gilster dedicated her time to developing a study which revolves around the basic need insecurities of Master of Social Work students.  

Collaborative learning and development

Between their project work, the participants engaged in three workshop opportunities, each focused on a different stage of the research process. Kris Ackerson, grant development manager, reviewed strategies and resources for research funding during his session, spotlighting the support available to faculty, scientific staff, and graduate students at the Public Policy Center.  

 “One of the biggest things that this program has given me is different ways of thinking about funding for this project,” expressed Rowe. “Understanding where to go get help within the institution and more broadly, talking to folks who have expertise in finding different sources of funding, and thinking about the ways that we can continue this project past the pilot study I’m conducting has been extremely valuable.” 

Cassidy Branch, interim manager of research services, discussed opportunities for research support during her meeting with the group. Outlining the Public Policy Center’s offerings of transcription support, data collection and management, focus group planning and moderation services, and more, Branch introduced the program cohort to new opportunities for executing their projects effectively and efficiently.  

“The reason I applied for the program was because my project seemed like a good fit for the structure,” said Gilster. “I knew that I could use some support in revising my grants, and now I’m revising my grants to better include the PPC resources that I’ve been introduced to, which I was super excited to learn about through this process." 

Sara Scheib, director of scholarly impact, and Brett Cloyd, social sciences and public policy librarian, presented the final workshop for the PPC’s summer programs, outlining best practices and valuable platforms for scholars looking to share and promote their work.  

In addition to these three workshops, the Public Policy Center hosted a panel featuring Heather Reisinger, associate director for engagement, integration, and implementation at the Institute for Clinical and Translational Science, Diane Rohlman, associate dean for research in the College of Public Health, and Kristy Nabhan-Warren, associate vice president for research in the Office of the Vice President for Research.  

During this panel, the participants were able to learn about the different grant opportunities, resources, and missions of various institutions and offices across the University of Iowa campus. 

The summer program cohort also met weekly with PPC core staff to maintain the forward motion of their work. These regular check-ins allowed participants to remain on track toward achieving their program goals, while also providing the time and opportunity to identify and address barriers in their research process.

Applications for the 2025 summer programs are anticipated to open next spring. To stay in the loop about PPC-supported programs and research, subscribe to our monthly newsletter.  

To learn more about the work of Mary Cohen and Allison Rowe, click here. To learn more about the work of Alison Bianchi, click here. For more information on Amber Powell and Megan Gilster’s individual research, click here.