Staci Dumoski
Chapman University faculty from every discipline continue to excel, earning funding from prestigious agencies, foundations and industry partners to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. From groundbreaking discoveries in science and technology to transformative work in the arts and humanities, these awards reflect the strength and diversity of our academic community. As we highlight their successes, we also recognize the vital role these grants play in fostering excellence, driving impact and shaping the future of our university.
The following highlights represent only a small portion of the funding awarded to our faculty in the last year.
$1.71 million—National Institute on Aging
Rachita Sumbria, associate professor of pharmacy
This grant continues the Sumbria lab’s ongoing work in drug delivery systems for Alzheimer’s disease therapeutics. They build upon their earlier success in modifying erythropoietin (EPO) so that it can cross the blood-brain barrier and potentially have better efficacy in treating Alzheimer’s at lower, more tolerable doses. The Sumbria lab will receive funds over the next five years.
$1.1 million—Lily Foundation
Chris Bader, chair and professor of sociology
This is a five-year grant, running from 2024-2029, that will improve the resources available to scholars and religious professionals for understanding the religious, demographic and social service characteristics of communities
$494,256—National Science Foundation
Richelle Tanner, assistant professor of environmental science and policy
This project will engage five U.S.-based scientific societies in a series of critically evaluated listening sessions, workshops and events that address both internal structures (society leadership) and external structures (journal and conference organization). The researchers will coordinate the initial implementation and evaluations for actionable opportunities with “community of care”—guided goals in each of these scientific societies.
