12/11/2024
By Anne Maglia

The Office of Research Development is pleased to announce the award recipients under the FY25 Community-Engaged Research and Scholarship Fund. This fund supports projects that create new knowledge, approaches and practices that address regional challenges through collaborative efforts.

The goal of the fund is to support the creation and sustenance of strong, mutually beneficial relationships with the greater Lowell community by supporting work that addresses an urgent problem, need or opportunity. The Community-Engaged Research and Scholarship Awards are funded by The Public Service Endowment.

Congratulations to the two awardees:

Mercédès Baillargeon, Associate Professor, World Languages and Cultures, College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
• Co-PI: Suzanne Molleur Beebe, Coordinator for Outreach, Franco-American Day Committee
• Co-PI: Carisa Kolias, Public Services and Special Collections Archivist, University Library, UMass Lowell
• Co-PI: Anthony Sampas, Head Archivist, University Library, UMass Lowell
• Co-PI: Nikki Tantum, Digital Initiatives Archivist, University Library, UMass Lowell

Project Title: The Greater Lowell Franco-American Digital Archives and Developing Participatory Archiving at UMass Lowell

Abstract: The Greater Lowell Franco-American Digital Archive is a collaborative initiative between the Franco-American Day Committee, the Center for Lowell History and UMass Lowell dedicated to documenting the daily lives and experiences of Lowell’s Franco-American community, once among the largest Francophone communities in North America outside of French Canada. Launched in 2022, this ongoing project prioritizes community building and participatory archiving. In partnership with the Franco-American Day Committee, we have built a solid foundation through events and initiatives, with a goal of expanding the archive through continued community involvement. By documenting and sharing the multifaceted experiences of the Franco-American community, the archive will provide a comprehensive and accessible record of their cultural contributions and enduring legacy.

Award Amount: $10,000


Amber Ruf, Associate Professor, School of Criminology and Justice Studies, College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
• Co-PI: Joselyne Chenane, Associate Professor, School of Criminology and Justice Studies, UMass Lowell
• Co-PI: Natasha Soolkin, Executive Director, New American Association of Massachusetts (NAAM)
• Co-PI: Amanda Sullivan, Director, New American Association of Massachusetts (NAAM)
• Co-PI: Robai Werunga, Assistant Professor, School of Education, UMass Lowell

Project Title: Know Your Rights: Pedagogy for Newly Arrived Immigrants Interacting with Police

Abstract: The Merrimack Valley, known for its Gateway Cities, continues to welcome new immigrants. In the past year, Massachusetts opened its doors to various migrant groups through its right-to-shelter provision, guaranteeing emergency shelter for homeless families, including new immigrant families. Immigrants enrich the cultural diversity of new communities and bolster economies (Akbari & Haider, 2018; Borjas, 2019). However, they face challenges understanding the American criminal justice system and its agents (e.g., the police). One of the areas of need is educating the newly arrived immigrants about the role of the American criminal justice system. This collaborative initiative, involving the New American Association of Massachusetts (NAAM) and UMass Lowell, seeks to enhance community engagement through the establishment of an educational program titled "Know Your Rights." The program aims to educate and empower newly arrived immigrants while providing essential information to local law enforcement. The overarching objective is to mitigate distrust and fear between these two communities, fostering a more harmonious relationship and providing opportunities for UMass Lowell to impact community members.

Award Amount: $10,000