Faculty and Staff Grants April 2026

Defining the building blocks of multicellularity: adhesion, recognition, and immunity

• Scott Nichols, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
• Funder: National Institutes of Health
• Abstract: This research uses the freshwater sponge Ephydatia muelleri to study how early animals evolved multicellularity, immune systems, and the ability to distinguish self from nonself. Because sponges diverged from other animals hundreds of millions of years ago, they provide insight into the origins of animal biology. The lab combines genomic, cellular, and evolutionary tools to examine how cells form tissues, recognize pathogens, and interact with beneficial microbes.

Center for Housing Research and Innovative Solutions

• Susan Daggett, Office of Teaching & Learning
• Funder: Arnold Ventures
• Abstract: The University of Denver (DU) proposes the establishment of the Center for Housing Research and Innovative Solutions as the Rocky Mountain West’s hub for interdisciplinary housing research, policy evaluation, data, and education. With deep expertise in real estate, land use law, public policy, and social work—and strong partnerships with policymakers, industry leaders, and peer academic institutions—DU is uniquely positioned to lead this work. The Center will operate on a hub‑and‑spoke model built on strong central management and accountability: DU provides the leadership, structure, and administration while collaborating broadly with partners across the state and region through affiliate faculty appointments, sub‑grants, and joint research.

Neighborhood food access and cardiovascular disease risk in early childhood

• Emily Melnick, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
• Funder: American Heart Association
• Abstract: This study examines how limited access to healthy foods in early childhood neighborhoods may contribute to obesity‑related behaviors and increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Using nationwide and Denver‑based child health cohorts, researchers will analyze how food access affects parenting practices, children’s eating behaviors, diet quality, and early CVD indicators. The project combines geospatial mapping, behavioral assessment, and health data analysis to identify pathways linking neighborhood food environments to long‑term heart health. Findings aim to guide early‑life interventions that reduce CVD risk and improve lifelong health outcomes.

Platform technology of late-stage diversified synthetic protein mimetics

• Sunil Kumar, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
• Funder: Colorado Office of Economic Development and Int'l. Trade
• Abstract: Abnormal protein interactions contribute to diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, and diabetes. Oligoamides (OAs) are promising small molecules capable of blocking these harmful interactions, but traditional OA production is slow and expensive. The team developed a high‑throughput, cost‑effective synthesis platform that rapidly generates diverse OA compounds. This approach enables faster screening, scalable drug development, and broader access to high‑quality compound libraries. The technology supports the discovery of treatments for difficult or “undruggable” targets and accelerates therapeutic research across pharmaceutical, biotech, and academic sectors.

Early Childhood Workforce Compensation Initiatives: Evaluation Planning Approach

• Whitney Leboeuf, Colorado Evaluation Action Lab
• Funder: Buell Foundation
• Abstract: The Buell Foundation asked the Colorado Lab to lead a learning group for leaders improving early educator pay initiatives. The group will share emerging best practices for compensation implementation, develop a cross‑initiative evaluation, and strengthen internal evaluation capacity. These efforts aim to help leaders design effective compensation initiatives, use data for continuous improvement, and support advocacy efforts to secure additional funding for early educator compensation.

More WIC!

• Emily Melnick, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
• Funder: Arizona State University (subaward Department of Agriculture – USDA)
• Abstract: This project will work with the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona (ITCA) WIC and Arizona State University to evaluate strategies aimed at increasing WIC enrollment among SNAP participants eligible for, but not enrolled in, WIC. The project will test four outreach strategies and assess their effectiveness through surveys, administrative data analysis, and community feedback. Findings will inform outreach improvements and be shared.

AdCo: Youth Health & Well-being Assessment

• Robin Leake, Graduate School of Social Work
• Funder: Adams County
• Abstract: Butler will partner with the Adams County Health Department (ACHD) to conduct a comprehensive Youth Health and Well‑Being Assessment. This comprehensive Youth Health and Well‑being Assessment will provide a roadmap for programs and partners to support positive outcomes for youth and families in Adams County.

Opportunity Now Closeout Data Collection

• Elysia Versen, Colorado Evaluation Action Lab
• Funder: Common Group (subaward United States Treasury – UST)
• Abstract: The purpose of this work is to support high quality data collection for close‑out Opportunity Now Grant programs.

Removed: Documenting Injustice in NonDetained and Detained Immigration Courts in Colorado and Ohio

• Rebecca Galemba, Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs
• Funder: Michael and Alice Kuhn Foundation
• Abstract: This proposal would fund the next stage in a transparency initiative to document due process violations, inform the public, and provide direct assistance in the U.S. immigration court system.

Restricted

• Meredith Silverstein, Graduate School of Social Work
• Funder: Mile High Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (subaward Colorado Department of Health Care Financing & Policy)
• Abstract: Mile High Behavioral Healthcare was awarded a grant from Adams County to deliver behavioral healthcare services to children and families who participate in the Colfax Community Network program.

NABSHP - Colorado Native American Boarding School Healing Project

• Ramona Beltran, Graduate School of Social Work
• Funder: History Colorado
• Abstract: Dr. Beltran will support the Colorado Federal Boarding School Research Program at History Colorado by conducting community‑centered data collection with American Indian survivors and descendants of federal Indian boarding schools. This work contributes to the development of statewide recommendations addressing the harms, abuses, and intergenerational impacts of federal Indian boarding schools.

CT LAMM 360

• Shauna Rienks, Graduate School of Social Work
• Funder: Connecticut Department of Children and Families
• Abstract: Support the Connecticut Department of Children and Families Academy for Workforce Development by conducting 360° assessment and feedback reports for 5–6 employees involved in the Leadership Academy for Middle Managers (LAMM).