High-Impact Research

Researchers at the College of Community Innovation and Education are driven by a singular belief: research should push boundaries and forge new ideas to transform lives. This approach is dynamic and collaborative, bringing together diverse minds and perspectives to tackle the toughest challenges facing our communities — locally, nationally, and globally.

Through our innovative interdisciplinary research teams and strong partnerships with both private and public organizations, we’re not just studying problems; we’re actively developing solutions. Our commitment to community engagement ensures that our work remains grounded and relevant, making a tangible impact where it matters most.

The CCIE Research and Administration Services Team is a critical resource for UCF faculty members to explore bold ideas that challenge convention and drive progress. Together, we’re advancing scholarship across diverse disciplines and directly shaping the future of our communities.

Funded Research

Discover the impactful research at the College of Community Innovation and Education, where our faculty secure millions of dollars annually from prestigious federal, state, and community organizations. With more than 50 research projects funded, our collaborations extend to renowned agencies such as the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Florida Supreme Court. Explore our diverse portfolio of projects addressing critical societal issues and driving meaningful change.

$40.1 Million

Funded Research and Contracts
(2023-2024)

50+

Funded Research and Projects

Centers and Institutes

Center lecture attendeesFaculty researchers at the College of Community Innovation and Education are committed to making a meaningful impact beyond the classroom. Through dynamic partnerships with our established Centers and Institutes, faculty and student researchers go beyond traditional boundaries, fostering collaboration and developing innovative real-world solutions to address pressing needs. By working hand in hand with community stakeholders, our researchers gain crucial insights and ensure that their work addresses the genuine needs of the community.

From conducting groundbreaking studies to offering expert consultation and support, our faculty-led initiatives span a wide range of disciplines and interests. Whether it’s developing sustainable education solutions, advancing mental health practices, or promoting organizational capacity for nonprofits, our researchers are at the forefront of positive change. Explore our diverse portfolio of research collaborations and discover how we’re making a difference together.

Recognition and Achievements

Distinguished Lecture Series

The Distinguished Lecture Series hosts nationally and internationally prominent academic researchers and scholars focused on the most pressing research topics that impact education, community and policy-relevant knowledge.

Dr. Couch lecturing

Fall 2023

Re-Imagining Education Through the Transdisciplinary ‘Lens’ of Invention

Stephanie Couch, Ph.D.
Executive Director of the Lemelson-MIT Program administered by the School of Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Dr. Bozeman lecturing

Spring 2024

How Can How Can Science Compete Effectively in Public Policy-Making

Barry Bozeman, Ph.D.
Regents' Professor Emeritus and Arizona Centennial Professor of Technology Policy and Public Management, Arizona State University

2025 Research Impact Showcase

Explore the latest research innovations from the College of Community Innovation and Education at the annual Research Impact Showcase. Join us as CCIE faculty and graduate students present their high-impact research across a diverse range of social issues spanning disciplines such as criminal justice, education and leadership, healthcare and administration, legal studies, mental health and public administration. Featuring poster presentations and a reception, this free event is open to the community and offers a glimpse of the impactful research our college engages in, as well as how it is used to enhance the quality of life for individuals in our region and beyond. See the 2024 winners.

Date and Time: Thursday, March 27, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Location: UCF Morgridge International Reading Center
Application Opens: November 1 - January 2
Proposal selections will be announced January 10.
Guest RSVPs will open January 1.
Have questions? Send us an email.

Research Administration

The Research Administration Services Team provides support to our faculty and student researchers. The team is here to assist you if you need help finding a grant funding source for your research or preparing a grant proposal. We also offer walk-in consulting for IRB proposals. Once your grant proposal is approved, we provide a full range of post-award services to help you launch your project and manage your award successfully.

Contact Us
Education Complex, Suite 106
407-823-4280
CCIERAST@ucf.edu

In the News

Claire Connolly-Knox

UCF Emergency Management Professor Inducted as National Academy of Public Administration Fellow

Claire Connolly Knox is the fifth School of Public Administration faculty member to be honored as an academy fellow...
Luminary Award

UCF Recognizes Nine Top Faculty at 2024 Luminary Awards

The honor is designed to recognize some of UCF’s brightest stars who shine a positive light on UCF and in their respective fields...
Students enjoy a reading session

State Funding Increase to Drive Growth in Community Partnership Schools

Statewide, nearly 50,000 students and their families benefit from services such as tutoring, healthcare and mentoring...

Events

CCIE Virtual Research Circle
The CCIE virtual bi-weekly research circles includes presentations and conversations from UCF’s College of Community Innovation and Education (CCIE) faculty, as well as faculty from other colleges at UCF with a focus on collaborative, innovative, interdisciplinary, community-based research initiatives. Presentations…
CCIE Distinguished Lecture Series
The College of Community Innovation and Education invites you to join us for the CCIE Distinguished Lecture Series. Welcoming nationally and internationally prominent researchers to UCF, this recurring series is open to the public, faculty, staff, and students, providing education…
CCIE Virtual Research Circle
The CCIE virtual bi-weekly research circles includes presentations and conversations from UCF’s College of Community Innovation and Education (CCIE) faculty, as well as faculty from other colleges at UCF with a focus on collaborative, innovative, interdisciplinary, community-based research initiatives. Presentations…