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.

$50.8 Million

Funded Research and Contracts
(2024-2025)

90+

Funded Research and Projects

Centers and Institutes

Amy Ellis presenting" alt="Center lecture attendees" width="350" />Faculty 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.

Carolyn Heinrich headshot

November 19, 2025

Improving School Capacities to Respond to Children’s Rising Mental Health Needs

Carolyn J. Heinrich, Ph.D.
University Distinguished Professor of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations and Political Science and the Patricia and Rodes Hart Professor of Public Policy, Education and Economics, Vanderbilt University

Terri Pigott headshot

March 26, 2026

Use of evidence for policy decisions: The role of systematic reviews and meta-analysis

Terri Pigott, Ph.D.
Distinguished University Professor at Georgia State University in the College of Education and Human Development

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 2025 Winners.

Date and Time: Thursday, March 26, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Location: UCF Morgridge International Reading Center

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

Barbara Andraka-Christou

UCF Associate Professor’s Research to Explore Impact of Laws Shaping the Future of Opioid Addiction Treatment

Barbara “Basia” Andraka-Christou and her team will study a decade’s worth of state laws, insurance claims data and more to understand how state law requirements for emergency departments affect overdose...
Staci Zavattaro reading book

Staci Zavattaro Earns UCF’s Inaugural Big 12 Faculty Fellowship

The award provides faculty with new opportunities for travel, discovery and impact, highlighting the academic value of UCF’s membership in the Big 12 Athletic Conference...
First responder

UCF Relationship Education Program to Support First Responder Couples, Parents

Supported through a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services-funded grant, Project Harmony is building a tailored, free curriculum to address relationship stressors unique to couples in the first responder...

Events

CCIE Virtual Research Circle
Join the CCIE Virtual Bi-Weekly Research Circles—a space where faculty from UCF’s College of Community Innovation and Education (CCIE) and across the university come together to share ideas, spark interdisciplinary dialogue, and explore community-based research initiatives.  Dates and Topics 9/3/2025…
CCIE Virtual Research Circle
Join the CCIE Virtual Bi-Weekly Research Circles—a space where faculty from UCF’s College of Community Innovation and Education (CCIE) and across the university come together to share ideas, spark interdisciplinary dialogue, and explore community-based research initiatives.  Dates and Topics 9/3/2025…
CCIE Virtual Research Circle
Join the CCIE Virtual Bi-Weekly Research Circles—a space where faculty from UCF’s College of Community Innovation and Education (CCIE) and across the university come together to share ideas, spark interdisciplinary dialogue, and explore community-based research initiatives.  Dates and Topics 9/3/2025…