Colleen Hammelman receives Bonnie E. Cone Professorship for Civic Engagement
Colleen Hammelman, associate professor in the Department of Earth, Environmental and Geographical Sciences, received the Bonnie E. Cone Professorship for Civic Engagement for her outstanding leadership in community-engaged research, advocacy and teaching. She was honored at the Spring Faculty Awards, Thursday, May 1, in the Popp Martin Student Union.
Since joining UNC Charlotte in 2017, Hammelman has made significant contributions to the University’s community-engagement mission, particularly through her leadership of the Charlotte Action Research Project.
Under her direction, CHARP has expanded its impact, developing key partnerships with over 15 community organizations and fostering collaborative research that addresses local needs, particularly in the areas of food systems and urban agriculture. Her community-engaged scholarship focuses on the intersection of food security and public health in Charlotte, with projects such as the State of the Plate food system assessment and the Community Innovation Incubator, which aims to improve food access in West Charlotte.
“Dr. Hammelman exemplifies the University’s commitment to civic engagement and community-driven, community-responsive research,” said Katherine Idziorek, assistant professor in geography and community planning. “Her commitment to community partnership serves to leverage the resources of the University for community benefit while improving the quality of research at UNC Charlotte.”
Raynard Washington, Mecklenburg County Public Health director, stated, “Professor Hammelman has played a fundamental role in countywide food security initiatives, such as the State of the Plate: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Food System Assessment. She also served as the faculty lead in our Community Stakeholder Food Security Assessments, demonstrating her ability to apply rigorous academic research to real-world public health challenges. Her leadership in these efforts has been instrumental in helping us assess our local food systems, identify crucial gaps and implement data-informed strategies to improve access.”
In her work, Hammelman employs a collaborative, reciprocal approach to research, ensuring that community voices are central to all aspects of the projects she leads. She has co-authored numerous academic and public-facing publications, all rooted in partnerships with local communities and stakeholders, and has secured more than $391,000 in research grants.
A graduate of Colorado State University, Hammelman completed a master’s degree from the School of International Service at American University; her Ph.D. is from the Department of Geography and Urban Studies at Temple University.
Read more about UNC Charlotte’s Spring Faculty Award recipients.