Dennis ArpContinuing growth in research, adaptations during the COVID-19 pandemic, faculty awards and the substantial impact of sponsor support were among the areas of focus when Chapman University held its Fourth Annual State of Research and Creative Activity on Nov. 17.
Tom Piechota, Ph.D., vice president for research, hosted the event — held virtually this year — highlighting the innovative pursuits of Chapman faculty and students at the university’s Orange campus and at the Rinker Health Science Campus in Irvine.
Patent Applications Reflect Research Expansion
In the past year, Chapman benefited from approximately $20 million in research expenditures by external sponsors such as the National Institute of Health, National Science Foundation, Department of Defense and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Chapman continues to expand its research portfolio, adding 10 invention disclosures from Chapman faculty and five patent applications in areas such as biosensors to detect pathogenic bacteria and new materials that may be used for room-temperature superconductors.
Four CU Faculty Members Join Million Dollar Club
This year Chapman added four new members to the prestigious Million Dollar Club, bringing its total membership to 42 faculty members who have earned $1 million or more in external funding. This year’s inductees are:
- Douglas Fudge, Ph.D., associate professor in Schmid College of Science and Technology
- Audri Gomez, Ph.D., associate director of the Thompson Policy Institute and lecturer in Attallah College of Educational Studies
- Rennolds Ostrom, Ph.D., professor in the George L. Argyros School of Business and Economics and co-director of the Institute for the Study of Religion, Economics and Society.
- Jared Rubin, Ph.D., professor in the George L. Argyros School of Business and Economics and co-director of the Institute for the Study of Religion, Economics and Society.
Restarting Research During COVID-19 Pandemic
2020 has presented many challenges, but the Chapman community continues to pursue important research and scholarship, including on the critical issue of COVID-19. The poignant work has been spotlighted in the most recent Ask the Experts Town Hall series, which has featured more than 50 faculty and community partners.
Participants have discussed important topics such as COVID-19, climate change, the future of real estate, struggles of the middle class, mental health and the 2020 election. These programs have attracted more than 4,000 attendees.
Recognizing the Transformative Impact of Sponsors
The State of Research and Creative Activity event recognized four sponsors whose support has had a transformative impact on Chapman faculty and students. The event honored:
- W.M. Keck Foundation for its $21 million gift supporting Keck Center of Science and Engineering
- Joe Kiani, founder, and chief executive officer of Masimo Corporation, who has generously supported the formation of the Fowler School of Engineering and forged new research partnerships
- John Templeton Foundation, which contributed a grant of $5.3 million to support efforts at Chapman’s Brain Institute to better understand consciousness and free will
- John E. Fetzer Memorial Trust, which supports various activities at Chapman, including explorations of quantum physics and studies of consciousness and decision-making.
Learn More:
- Learn more about Research and Creative Activity at Chapman.
- View a video of the Fourth Annual State of Research and Creative Activity.
- Read the latest issue of Chapman Forward, the university’s annual research magazine.
