New UND CONNECT projects prepare to help state

Through partnerships forged in the program, UND can help boost quality of life throughout North Dakota

Following the first round of nine faculty-led projects funded by the UND CONNECT program, 10 more were recently announced.

Earlier this year, UND established UND CONNECT as a way for faculty and students to perform community-based research, development and outreach while partnering with local and regional organizations.

Proposed projects can be funded for up to $5,000 each. Funding for UND CONNECT was provided by the North Dakota Economic Diversification Research Grant Fund, appropriated during the 2023 legislative session.

Once again receiving twice as many applications as could be funded, UND Vice Provost Randi Tanglen said enthusiasm and interest around UND CONNECT remains high – indicating that the program is meeting a need in the state and on campus.

“UND faculty and students are an asset to North Dakota communities,” Tanglen said. “I’ve been inspired by how much pride they take in the state and how much they care about the people who live here.”

At a recent event during which she spoke about UND CONNECT, Tanglen was approached soon afterward by a community organization hoping to work with the University. As intended, UND CONNECT is opening lines of communication and access to UND, she said.

“Our faculty expertise paired with students’ talents and commitment to serve are improving life in North Dakota through UND CONNECT,” she remarked.

Provost Eric Link said the partnerships through the program empower UND to make a deeper impact in the state, transforming communities and creating lasting opportunities.

“Our first round of projects included initiatives that addressed fair housing issues, radon detection and adaptive programming for youth with physical and developmental disabilities,” Link said. “We are excited for this next round of UND Connect partnerships, which will — among other projects — work to address teacher burnout in the state, reduce lightning-related risks and improve North Dakota’s air ambulance operations.

“By working together with local governments and community stakeholders, UND aims to be a key partner in addressing critical societal issues and improving the quality of life in North Dakota.”

The following projects were selected for funding, based on recommendations made to the provost by the Senate Scholarly Activities Committee:

Lavinia Iancu, assistant professor of Criminal Justice

• The Forensic Science Bootcamp at Turtle River State Park, organized alongside the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, will provide hands-on training and certification in crime scene investigation. The program will enhance students’ career prospects and strengthen community safety by preparing well-trained forensic professionals.
• Amount funded: $4,214.

James Higgins, professor of Aviation

• Higgins, in partnership with Altru Care Flight, seeks to create a flight data monitoring program for North Dakota air ambulance operators. Through active data monitoring, operators can better identify safety risks, monitor pilot performance and improve flight operations.
• Amount funded: $4,684

Julie Robinson, assistant professor of Teaching & Leadership
Renuka de Silva, assistant professor of Teaching & Leadership

• Dakota Ribbon shirts and skirts are worn during important gatherings and events to signify resilience and celebrate cultural identity. In this project, students at Tate Topa Tribal School in Fort Totten, N.D., will create their own ribbon skirts and shirts that they can wear for community events. The goal is to foster cultural identity, knowledge and pride.
• Amount funded: $4,979.

Joonghwa Lee, associate professor of Communication

• Lee and the city of Grand Forks plan to archive unique stories of new Americans in North Dakota and showcase their journeys toward naturalization through photo and video exhibitions during the week of Constitution Day 2025, to welcome them to local and state communities.
• Amount funded: $4,997.

Ling Lo, teaching assistant professor of Music

• Lo and the Listen Center in Grand Forks are creating the Sensory Family Concert Series to create concert environments at UND which welcome people from diverse backgrounds and with varied abilities.
• Amount funded: $5,000.

Daniel Bartholomay, assistant professor of Sociology

• Partnering with the F5 Project in Fargo, Bartholomay’s project aims to raise awareness and influence policies to support transitional housing and recovery programs in North Dakota. “Voices of the Home” will give people residing in transitional housing, including those formerly incarcerated or recovering from addiction, the opportunity to use photographs and narratives to document their reintegration experiences.
• Amount funded: $5,000.

Christie Cole, assistant professor of Languages
Elizabeth Suazo-Flores, assistant professor of Teaching & Leadership

• Monthly Spanish Storytime at the Grand Forks Public Library will bring UND students and members of the Grand Forks Latinx community together. The goal is to provide experiential learning opportunities for students while also providing space for Spanish-speaking residents to value and celebrate the language.
• Amount funded: $5,000.

Akorede Teriba, assistant professor of Education, Health & Behavioral Studies

• Teriba and Grand Forks Public Schools will develop a peer support training program to provide teachers with an understanding of burnout and what contributes to it. Through a workshop, teachers will be equipped to support one another and decrease the likelihood of experiencing burnout.
• Amount funded: $5,000.

Daile Zhang, assistant professor of Atmospheric Sciences

• Zhang is creating an education and awareness program to reduce lightning-related risks in Grand Forks through a partnership with the local National Weather Service station. The program includes public awareness events, educational material development, media engagement and implementation of safety measures.
• Amount funded: $4,994.

Jessica Zorn, faculty resident of Physical Therapy

• In collaboration with the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences, College of Education & Human Development, the North Dakota Vision Services/School for the Blind and the UND Swing Club, Zorn is conducting a study to evaluate the effectiveness of dance-based intervention to enhance motor skills, physical activity and social/emotional well-being in individuals with visual impairment.
• Amount funded: $5,000.

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