Summer Researcher-in-Residence Program

The Public Policy Center’s (PPC) Summer Researcher-in-Residence Program is a five-week program that provides dedicated time and support for faculty and scientific staff to research topics of significant public interest. Project work may involve grant development, data collection or curation, manuscript writing and dissemination, or other phases of the research process. As contributing members of the PPC’s intellectual community, applicants are expected to work in residence at the Public Policy Research Building, and to be available for meetings and activities for the duration of the program.

The program provides participants with:

  • Private, quiet office spaces. Participants are allocated offices that are free from distractions and are customizable to suit individual needs.
  • A welcoming, supportive work environment. Our administrative, research, and IT staff offer specialized services and expertise to assist with project completion. Participants are encouraged to use in-house amenities to reserve meeting rooms, utilize printing stations, and relax and recharge in break areas. Participants are also warmly invited to attend center events.
  • Organized cohort meetings. Participants meet regularly to share project updates, discuss roadblocks and resources, and give and receive feedback. Meetings are also used for research workshops and networking opportunities.
  • Funding to support work. Participants may request up to $1,500 in funding for pilot data, transcription services, software, or other related research expenses.

 2024 Summer Participants (June 17 - July 19)

Headshot of Megan Gilster.

Megan Gilster, Assistant Professor

School of Social Work, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

"Social Work Graduate Student Economic Hardship: The Role of Debt and Unpaid Practicum in Food and Housing Insecurity" 

  
Headshot of Amber Powell.

Amber Powell, Assistant Professor

Department of Sociology and Criminology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

"At the Intersection of Carceral & Sexual Citizenship: How Incarcerated Communities Mobilize Prison Rape Law"

Past Participants

Application Information

Eligibility: Faculty members across all ranks and tracks, and scientific staff are eligible. All applicants must be affiliated with the University of Iowa. 

Application Procedures: The application should be organized as follows:

  1. Applicant Information: Name, college, department, and email
  2. Project Information:
    • Project title
    • Project abstract (50-100 words)
    • Project overview (300-500 words). Briefly introduce your project, its significance and potential impact, and its relevance for your research program. Clearly state the objectives of your research.
    • Project methodology (300-500 words). Describe the methods you will use to achieve your objectives. This includes your research design, data collection methods, and analysis techniques.
    • Project plan and timeline (300-500 words). Describe the current status of the project and summarize your goals (e.g., anticipated outcomes and deliverables) and timeline of participation in the program.
  3. Curriculum Vitae or Biographical Sketch

Reporting Expectations: Applicants are asked to acknowledge the PPC in all publications and presentations supported by participation in this program, and to notify the PPC communications team of all publications, presentations, and grants related to program work.

Applications for the 2024 Summer Researcher-in-Residence Program are currently closed. Applications for the 2025 summer session are anticipated to open Spring 2025.

For more information on the PPC’s Summer Researcher-in-Residence Program, please email: ppc@uiowa.edu.