Faculty and Staff Grants February 2026

Post‑Transcriptional Regulation of Tissue Regeneration by RNP‑Granules

• Mira Pronobis, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
• Funder: National Institutes of Health
• Abstract: P‑bodies are tiny cell structures that control how genes are used by storing, destroying, or using RNA messages. They affect many human genes and help guide cell behavior. New research shows they form after injury to help tissue regrow, then disappear. This project aims to understand and recreate them to improve tissue regeneration and treat diseases like cancer.

Strengthening Bridges from Service to Support: Enhancing Programming Access for Military Communities

• Katy Barrs, Graduate School of Professional Psychology
• Funder: Caring for Denver Foundation
• Abstract: The Strengthening Bridges Project provides comprehensive behavioral health services to Denver’s Veterans, Service Members, and their families. In collaboration with community‑based organizations, integrated programming will improve access to therapy and assessment services, culturally competent care, and community connection.

Housing Research and Innovative Solutions

• Susan Daggett, Office of Teaching and Learning
• Funder: ZOMA LAB
• Abstract: The purpose of the grant is to catalyze the launch of a durable, data‑driven institution that elevates and informs housing policy decision‑making in Colorado. The Center for Housing Research and Innovative Solutions’ theory of change focuses on shaping the future of Colorado’s housing system.

Prenatal Massage: A Complementary Approach for Maternal Health and Mental Health

• Galena Rhoades, College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
• Funder: Massage Therapy Foundation through the support of the American Massage Therapy Association
• Abstract: The state of maternal health in the United States is abysmal. This research demonstrates that typical healthcare and hospital settings are not adequately addressing maternal health for those most at‑risk. This project tests an alternative—a community‑based approach to improve maternal health and mental health. Funding from the Massage Therapy Foundation will test prenatal massage as an adjunctive therapy to enhance maternal health and mental health outcomes among under‑resourced, minoritized birthing people.

The Denver Civic COLab: A partnership between the University of Denver’s CCESL and Denver Inter‑Neighborhood Cooperation (INC)

• Stefan Chavez‑Norgaard, Academic Affairs
• Funder: Weave: The Social Fabric Project at the Aspen Institute
• Abstract: Denver Civic COLab—uniting the University of Denver’s CCESL and Denver Inter‑Neighborhood Cooperation (INC)—seeks to bring Weaver Awards to fund neighborhood‑led projects. INC’s strong community network and grant experience position it well to deliver funds effectively. The awards would fill a key gap by supporting adult‑led initiatives, strengthening civic trust, collaboration, and resident‑driven change across Denver communities.

Evidence‑Building for Bridges of Colorado

• Courtney Everson, Colorado Evaluation Action Lab
• Funder: Bridges of Colorado
• Abstract: Through a person‑centered approach, Bridges of Colorado uses a Court Liaison approach to address the unique intersection of mental health and judicial systems and ensure participants receive coordinated care to address root causes of systems involvement and facilitate long‑term stability. The Colorado Lab is partnering with Bridges to help them achieve their evidence‑building and evidence‑use priorities: (1) develop an organizational theory of change, (2) co‑develop an analytic approach for reporting priority outcomes, and (3) build capacity for ongoing rigorous evaluation.

Positive Childhood Experiences as Protective Factors for Better Relationships, Parenting Practices, and Mental Health Across Three Generations

• Angela Narayan, College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
• Funder: Mental Research Institute
• Abstract: This study will explore why some people with difficult childhoods still build healthy families. It focuses on positive childhood experiences and supportive relationships that help break cycles of adversity across generations. By identifying these resilience factors, the research aims to show how parents can use their own positive experiences to raise healthy, well‑adjusted children.

ISS March 2026

• Jonathan Moyer, Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs
• Funder: Institute for Security Studies Trust
• Abstract: Pardee will continue to support the ISS’s African Futures and Innovation (AFI) program by reviewing and providing feedback on three country studies and two thematic areas. In addition, Pardee and the ISS will co‑design a Futures Lab to take place during the 3rd African Futures Conference in Pretoria, South Africa, this fall.

Examining the Impact of Healthcare Oppression on Health Outcomes among Native Hawaiian Women

• Tina Hulama, Graduate School of Social Work
• Funder: University of Washington (subaward NIH)
• Abstract: This project employs a qualitative methodology to examine how Native Hawaiian women experience healthcare and how provider‑level behaviors and systemic oppression influence health outcomes and health‑seeking behaviors, including substance misuse. A key outcome will be the development of a conceptual model of healthcare oppression that identifies how structural and interpersonal dynamics within healthcare shape health disparities and negative health‑seeking behaviors, including delayed care and substance misuse.