Interdisciplinary Action Groups
In response to a time marked by economic instability, political volatility, and transformative social change, CRASE re-launched the Interdisciplinary Action Group (IAG) grant initiative in 2025 to spark collaborative research at USF. Aligned with the university’s Horizons initiative, the IAG grants invited faculty, librarians, and staff to join forces across disciplines to imagine and enact a better future. Proposed projects addressed one or more key themes:
- Climate & Sustainability
- Health & Well-Being
- Artificial Intelligence & Technology
The call also welcomed innovative work that supports USF’s broader commitment to diversity, inclusion, and social justice.
After a thorough review process, we are excited to announce that we have awarded six IAG grants. Each funded team includes members from at least two different departments or schools, and some have student research assistants. This initiative exemplifies how interdisciplinary collaboration can generate timely, impactful scholarship and deepen USF’s commitment to shaping a more just and humane world.
2025-2026 IAG Grant Recipients
AI Coaching for Health & Well-Being
Alark Joshi and Kelly L’Engle
In this project, we explore the possibility of using AI-based solutions to provide health coaching for students. Coaching is an evidence-based intervention commonly implemented to help people achieve health and well-being goals. We are building a prototype from past coaching transcripts as training data for an AI-based chatbot to provide supportive, encouraging, and warm responses to the participants as they converse with the chatbot. We plan to pilot test the chatbot with students in public health or computer science courses in the Spring 2026 semester to identify strengths and areas of improvement for the next version of the chatbot.
CogSim
Johnathan Cromwell, Mana Azarm, and Research Assistants Nicolas Barsi-Rhyne and Andrew Hoang
CogSim is a scientific platform for psychology-based researchers. It enables researchers to design and simulate cognitive processes across defined study groups, and to generate high-fidelity synthetic data that closely represents data collected from human participants. By rapidly accelerating study cycles, CogSim provides a low-stakes environment where researchers can rapidly test, refine, and pilot different study designs before advancing to more costly, time-intensive and large-scale research.
On-Site Barbershops, Belonging, and Well-Being: Evaluating the USF Clip, Cut, Connect Program
Jenny Lee, Evelyn Y. Ho, Hsiu-Lan Cheng, Joyce P. Yang, and Research Assistants Ailin Abdon and Catalina Do
The Clip, Cut, Connect program is an on-campus initiative that addresses mental health equity for BIPOC students at USF through a partnership with ClipDart — a national organization that provides culturally competent, on-site hair care to underserved communities. The program provides responsive, culturally grounded support through barbers and stylists, creating inclusive spaces that reduce stigma and expand access to mental health resources at USF. Alongside this initiative, research is being conducted to understand how programs like Clip, Cut, Connect impact student well-being, sense of belonging, and access to care. By participating, students contribute to building knowledge that will shape more inclusive mental health resources on campus and beyond.
Building Community and Connection One Mahjong Tile at a Time
Sherise Kimura, Genevieve Leung, Wei Yang Menkus, and Nicholas Tay
Our project aligns with the Horizon Initiative’s theme of Health and Wellness by building community and connection among students through the game of mahjong. By creating spaces for shared play and conversation, we aim to reduce social isolation and encourage meaningful engagement. These interactions not only enhance well-being and foster a sense of belonging, but also promote cultural awareness, support learning, and help build a more inclusive and connected campus community.
Experiences of Sexual Violence, Resource Utilization, Bystander Intervention Among University Students
Katrina Garry, Natalie Townsend, Marie Claude-Couture, and Research Assistant Lily Stringfellow
Our project aims to assess the prevalence, mental health impact, and resource utilization related to sexual violence among University of San Francisco students. By expanding the National College Health Assessment with tailored questions, the team will analyze the relationship between sexual misconduct and mental health outcomes while identifying gaps in reporting and support services. The findings will inform institutional policies, prevention strategies, and community education efforts. Ultimately, the project seeks to strengthen USF’s commitment to student safety, equity, and well-being through data-driven action and collaboration.
Implications of Generative Artificial Intelligence
Nicole Gonzales Howell, Virginia Ramos, and Freddie Seba
"The project “Implications of Generative Artificial Intelligence” explores how AI tools are transforming higher education, with a focus on pedagogy, ethics, and policy. It aims to equip faculty with practical resources and frameworks for responsible integration of AI in teaching, including curated AAC&U materials, sample assignments, and privacy/disclosure guidelines. The project also addresses institutional considerations such as ethical use of detection software and the development of departmental best practices. Ultimately, it seeks to foster informed, critical, and creative engagement with generative AI across disciplines."