Creative Research Powers D’Youville’s Im CAMPUS BODY At D’Youville, a wide range of grants are facilitating advanced faculty research projects—from the lab to the classroom to the community. In fact, the university is securing more grants than at any point during its 115-year history. This recent run of success is allowing the institution to better transform its mission—and aspirations—into reality. “A diverse mix of organizations are making significant investments in the university—and stand as endorsements of what we’re pursuing together,” said Lindsey Jakiel Diulus, PhD, director of corporate and foundation relations. Diulus added, “We have a powerful North Star and beautiful history we inherit from Saint Marguerite d’Youville and the Grey Nuns, and we seek to continue their commitment to service above self, service to the students and to the community.” In the last fiscal year, D’Youville has secured more than $10.6 million in grants—from federal, state and local sources. $1,535,467 | Identifying Paths to Success The U.S. Department of Education and Upward Bound initiative is a national year-round pre-collegiate program that provides equitable support for high school students who are of historically underserved and underrepresented populations. These future first-generation college students “have the desire, motivation, and potential to complete high school and enroll in post- secondary education,” said Kissena Frazier, MSW, director of Upward Bound at D’Youville and a first-generation graduate who is leading the grant. “We’re striving to make an impact on the next generation through mentorship, motivation and leadership.” $3,966,653 | Brightening the Future Led by Patricia H. Garman School of Nursing Acting Dean Shannon McCrory Churchill, DHEd, CPNP-PC, CNE, D’Youville will expand its hands-on approach to nursing education and bring medical care to underserved communities in Erie and Niagara Counties through a nearly $4 million Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) grant. “We are entrepreneurial and willing to take risks to compete for grants that maybe normally wouldn’t go to an institution of our size,” said Churchill. “That’s part of our overarching boldness that we strive for at D’Youville.” New nurse-led mobile health units will set up pop-up clinics in partnership with fire stations and EMS personnel. The grant will also advance undergraduate nursing education for those who may experience challenges with traditional models. $2,999,835 |Training Community Health Workers An additional HRSA grant involves building partnership with several community-based organizations to expand the health workforce. According to Renee Cadzow, PhD, associate director of the Center for Doctoral Studies and Research, “Community health workers are trusted members of the communities in which they work—and bridge community and health and social services to improve access, quality and cultural responsiveness.” The grant supports training and apprenticeship programs and academic development. Lindsey Jakiel Diulus, PhD | FALL 2023 10
