Nexus 2025

Nexus 2025 aims to foster interdisciplinary research collaborations that advance our understanding of community health and well-being and inform the development of innovative, evidence-based solutions to persistent challenges. Potential research areas include but are not limited to:

  • How do social networks, neighborhood environments, and access to resources influence health and educational outcomes in the Charlotte region and beyond?
  • How do place-based interventions and policies impact educational attainment and long-term health trajectories? 
  • How can data science and machine learning be used to identify and/or address differences in health and educational outcomes?
  • What are the ethical implications of using AI-driven tools for addressing social drivers of health and education?
  • What innovative technologies or engineering solutions can enhance access to healthcare or educational resources in underserved communities?
  • How can business models and economic strategies improve the scalability and sustainability of community health and education programs?
  • How can geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial analytics improve our understanding of place-based variations in health and well-being?
  • How can arts and architectural design influence the development of healthier and more sustainable educational and community spaces?

2025 schedule

The planned dates for Nexus 2025 are as follows:

Thursday, May 15 (9:00 a.m.- 3:00 p.m. with lunch)

  • Share individual research interests and identify areas of overlap
  • Brainstorm possible directions for collaborative research

Friday, May 16 (9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. with lunch)

  • Develop research questions and analytical approaches
  • Plan strategies for advancing collaborations over the summer

Wednesday, August 13 (9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. with lunch)

  • Present proposed projects and strategies to sustain collaboration
  • Discuss interdisciplinary funding opportunities and grant writing strategies

application process

Applications to participate in Nexus 2025 are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, April 7. Applicants should complete and sign the cover sheet in the application packet, save the required materials into a single PDF file, and upload the file using this form. Questions can be directed to CHESS Associate Dean for Research and Interdisciplinary Collaboration Beth Whitaker (bwhitaker@charlotte.edu).