Faculty and Staff Grants November 2025

Bridging the Gap

• Naazneen Barma, Josef Korbel School of Global and Public Affairs
• Funder: Carnegie Corporation of New York
• Abstract: Bridging the Gap promotes scholarly contributions to public debate and decision making on global challenges and U.S. foreign policy. This project equips professors and doctoral students with the skills they need to produce influential policy-relevant research and theoretically grounded policy work. It also spearheads cutting-edge research on problems of concrete importance to governments, think tanks, international institutions, non-governmental organizations, and global firms.

Innovative AI Systems for Nurturing and Assessing Creativity in K-12 Learning Environments

• Peter Organisciak, Morgridge College Of Education
• Funder: National Science Foundation
• Abstract: Creative thinking is essential in STEM fields—supporting skills like hypothesis generation and design thinking—yet traditional methods of creativity assessment are costly, labor-intensive, and often inaccessible to schools. This lack of accessible, validated tools means that many educators are unable to focus on nurturing creativity, particularly in under-resourced schools. By leveraging artificial intelligence approaches, we will introduce scalable tools that provide creativity assessment and real-time feedback to students, addressing a critical gap in STEM education.

Collaborative Services Support

• Alissa Rausch, Morgridge College Of Education
• Funder: University of Southern Mississippi
• Abstract: MECIC and Children’s Center staff learn to problem solve logistics of collaborative teaming including strategies, relationship-building etc. Families have a guide to understanding collaborative services and strategies to advocate for collaborative and inclusive services for their child. MECIC and state partners use survey to gather data about the barriers to collaborative services to build supports.

Evidence Building for TANF Future Vision

• Elysia Versen & Kristin Klopfenstein, Barton Institute for Community Action
• Funder: Colorado Department of Human Services
• Abstract: This project will include collaboration with the Division of Economic and Workforce Support to engage vested partners in developing a TANF causal roadmap demonstrating how and why the future vision of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) is expected to enhance the economic stability of Coloradans. We will document recommendations for evidence-building in a brief report to guide evidence-building strategy for TANF Future Vision.

Digitally Enhanced Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Adolescents with Depression and Obesity

• Talia Thompson, Graduate School of Professional Psychology
• Funder: Colorado State University
• Abstract: This project will include designed focus group guides for information gathering phase on tailoring a CBT digital app for adolescents with depression and overweight/obesity and the focus group guides for the post-intervention single-arm and pilot and feasibility randomized controlled trial phases.

The Digital Encyclopedia of Colorado Jewish Communities

• Joshua Furman, Center for Judaic Studies
• Funder: Rose Community Foundation
• Abstract: The Rocky Mountain Jewish Historical Society (RMJHS), part of the Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Denver strives to educate the public about the history of Jewish life in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West. This project supports the hiring of a project manager to help create the Digital Encyclopedia of Colorado Jewish Communities.

Buell Foundation ECHO DU

• Savannah Hobbs, Morgridge College Of Education
• Funder: Buell Foundation
• Abstract: To address the critical need for equitable access to high-quality early childhood services, ECHO-DU, a proven, evidence-based professional development program housed at the University of Denver’s Center for Rural School Health & Education, will expand training for Colorado’s early childhood workforce. Grant funds will be used to support the development and delivery of three virtual learning series, designed to create communities of practice to equip up to 250 early childhood educators and providers with evidence-based strategies to prevent burnout, implement trauma-informed practices, and support neurodivergent children.

Denver Arts & Venues Grant

• Aisha Ahmad-Post, Newman Center for the Performing Arts
• Funder: Denver Arts & Venues
• Abstract: The DENVER CREATES Fund will provide up to $10,000 in direct investments in the creative sector and cross-sector partnerships for programs and projects that align with goals and outcomes outlined in the DENVER CREATES roadmap and contribute to the cultural and artistic vibrancy of the city. This fund will focus on the following commitments: 1) Broaden access to arts and culture, 2) Cultivate the cultural community and 3) Support the economic vitality of Denver’s cultural sector.