Research Lab

About the ReImagining Schools Research Lab

Established in 2022, the ReImagining Schools Research Lab is comprised of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students, research associates, and faculty from the College of Community and Public Affairs. With faculty mentorship, students provide research assistance on an array of studies that advance Community Schools. The lab engages students in interdisciplinary research and helps them develop research and leadership skills. 

Faculty Involved

Dr. Naorah Rimkunas is a Professor in the Departments of Social Work and Teaching, Learning and Educational Leadership. She is the Principal Investigator on two five-year grants totalling $9.3 M to expand mental health services in New York’s Southern Tier as part of its Mental Health Service Provider Demonstration Grant Program. Dr. Amber Simpson is a Professor in the Department of Teaching, Learning and Educational Leadership. She was awarded a $1.5 M grant to create and support makerspaces for youth to work collaboratively on projects and find support in times of failure

Joining the Research Lab

If you’re interested in joining the ReImagining Schools Research Lab, please complete this online application and we will be in communication prior to the start of the next academic term. The application aims to gain an understanding about you, your interest in joining the lab, and your previous research experience, knowledge, and skills. No advanced quantitative or statistical knowledge is required, but will be considered when establishing the members of the research team.

The Lab can be joined and course credit obtained if you are interested in participating in it as an Independent Study course; it may also be joined voluntarily without course credit. Completion of an application will confirm your commitment to participate in two consecutive terms in the lab. Students continuing for consecutive terms are only required to submit their initial application.