Undergraduate Research that Empowers Communities
Research comes alive when it actually benefits the broader community. In community-based research, students combine a passion for service and social change with their academic interests and research skills. The Center for Strong Communities facilitates students, faculty and community partners in cooperative research that answers real questions and contributes to the common good.
What is community-based research? At the Center for Strong Communities, we define CBR as collaborative, change-oriented research that engages faculty, students and community partners in projects that address community-identified needs and contribute to the common good.
As we post research requests, students and faculty are urged to consider how to they might pursue one of these topics through a credit-bearing practicum, service-learning course, internship or senior study. Please contact the CSC for more information and guidance for developing a research partnership.
Examples of current research is part of the CSC’s Community Research Project are listed below. Come see and hear results of these projects at the Community Research Expo on April 30, 2008.
Why does the MHA housing voucher program have a low rate of effectiveness? Partner with Maryville Housing Authority to better understand current use of vouchers that are intended to be applied to private rentals. How could this voucher program be a more effective method of providing local, affordable housing?
What has been the role of African Americans in Appalachia? Partner with the African-Americans of Appalachia in Blount County (AAABC) to compile, analyze and edit oral histories that help tell the story of African Americans in this region.
How does theater experience contribute to literacy among deaf children? Research theater as an educational tool for deaf children, and identify ways of making the arts more accessible to all children, regardless of physical or developmental status.
Are there families in Southern Appalachia who do not have access to clean drinking water? Work with Living Waters for the World in the field to identify areas of need and the effectiveness of home-site water purification projects in East TN rural communities.
Can companion service dogs benefit children with autistic spectrum disorder? Partner with Wilderwood Service Dogs to study behavioral interaction and impact of trained service dogs with autistic children.
What is the effectiveness of domestic abuse prevention programs with sixth grade girls? Partner with Haven House to design and implement an impact assessment of one of its current prevention programs.
How do students of color cope with a predominantly white campus? Using positive psychology methods, examine how students of color cope with attending a predominantly white college.
Additional research requests
Additional research requests that students and faculty are urged to consider for upcoming semesters:
Do we have homeless individuals and families in Blount County? Where are they and what are their living conditions? What are the current resources available to homeless persons in Blount Co.? Are there current policies and laws in place regarding the treatment of homeless persons in Blount Co.?
Collect local, regional and national statistics and demographics on child abuse. How do prosecution rates compare with reported cases? Is the rate of prosecution increasing or decreasing?
Low income populations are afflicted disproportionately with obesity and diabetes. Assist Blount Co. Health Dept. in researching and developing a wellness approach to treating diabetes through education and self-management.
How do churches address environmental issues in this community? Do they preach or study about the environment? How do they connect with regional environmental action and education groups. Do they consider clean air, water and climate changes important moral issues for Christians?
What are the support programs most used and most needed by residents in local public housing? Are there gaps in the support system?
Research the history of Sunset Gap Community Center in Cosby, TN, a service center for low-income Appalachian families. What are the current needs of the community and how is Sunset Gap responding to those needs? In what ways does this program provide for short-term relief or long-term change?
Community agencies that wish to submit a research request should contact the Center for Strong Communities at 865-273-8894 or email strongcommunities@maryvillecollege.edu. We welcome a discussion of newly proposed projects.
The Center for Strong Communities thanks to the Corella and Bertram F. Bonner Foundation for its generous support of our community-based research program.
