Research Fellows Present Community-Based Research with Hartford Partners
This semester, the Community Learning Research Fellows had the opportunity to collaborate with community partners and faculty sponsors on community-based research projects. During the semester, fellows engaged in Community-Based Research, which emphasizes problem solving and communications skills beyond the mold of traditional academic research. This type of research helps students understand how to engage with the needs of a community, build partnerships with people directly involved, and transform their space to enact social change.
Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection Symposium Review
Jitty Sun ‘19 and Faculty Sponsor Glenn Falk

English Language Learners’ Use of Metacognitive Strategies in Reading Comprehension Tasks: Effects of English Proficiency and Task Language
Olivia Curreri ‘19 and Faculty Sponsors Dina Anselmi and David Reuman

Effectively Communicating Research on Factors that Affect Abortion Access with NARAL Pro-Choice Connecticut
Samantha McCarthy ‘21 and Faculty Sponsor Alyson Spurgas

This research database Samantha created will be a great tool when we need to pull policies and past legislative efforts in other states. This is information that we can use to support our work when we’re at the state Capitol lobbying or when we’re out organizing and educating the public.” -Liz Gustafson, Organizer at NARAL Pro-Choice Connecticut
Establishing a Community Business Association Operated by the Southwest and Behind the Rocks Neighborhood Revitalization Zone
Aidan Arnold ‘21 and Faculty Sponsor Serena Laws

“I think Aidan was instrumental in progressing the work we’ve been doing on New Britain Avenue. He’s really been dong the research and the groundwork that it takes to build a business association.” -Karolina Kwiecinska, Southwest/Behind the Rocks NRZ
Boosting Oral Vocabulary: The Words Count Program with The Village for Families & Children
Mabel Silva ‘20 and Faculty Sponsor Dan Douglas
Culture in the Classroom: Promoting Bicultural Identity in an ESL Classroom with the Jubilee House
Stefania Ruibal ‘19 and Faculty Sponsor Stefanie Wong
“I was able to get in the community and learn things I wouldn’t be able to learn on campus. I was connecting with people surrounding our campus and I liked being able to build a bridge from Trinity to the Jubilee House. It’s helped prepare me for getting into the workforce because it’s definitely been a jumping off point for me to be able to communicate with people and reach out to them on my own to create a connection and project.” -Stefania Ruibal ’19
“We really learned that what we do at the Jubilee House, at the House of Bread, and all our work with refugees and immigrants is of interest to college students. These kinds of projects have presented lots of opportunities for further research and discussion it was great to be an established community partner. Stefania reached out and interacted with staff at all levels, our students, and it was really a great experience.” -Andy Tyskiewicz, Education Programs Coordinator, Jubilee House
Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy Writing Center: Resources and Recommendations

Vianna Iorio ‘19 and Faculty Sponsor Jack Dougherty
Thank you to Community Learning Research Fellows Program Instructor Laura Holt, Associate Director of Community Learning Megan Faver Hartline, Faculty Director of Community Learning Jack Dougherty, Community Consultant James Jeter, and Teaching Assistant Daisuke Katsumata. And of course, we extend a special thank you to the community partners who have contributed to the community-based research projects this semester. Your support, expertise, and willingness to mentor our students are essential components of the Community Learning Research Fellows Program.