UPPF Gallery of 2025-2026 Research Projects

Introduction

Each year, IPCE's UPPF fellows conduct research on a policy issue of their choosing. This research spans the academic year. Explore the fellows' research projects by clicking on the project tiles.

2025-2026 Research Projects

Diana Barajas

Federalism Under The Current Administration: Constitutionality & Legality Of Trump’s Anti-Immigration Agenda
Alberto Castelan

The Mental Health Impacts of Anti-LGBTQ+ Policies on Latine Youth
Harshil Choudhary

Beyond Release: Examining the Structure and Accessibility of Reintegration Resources Within Federal Supervision in the Northern District of Illinois
Alex Cifuentes

Reducing Recidivism: Creating A Better System
Anahi Cruz

Sanctuary Cities: Mayors Protecting Immigrant Communities under the Trump Administration
Emily Diaz

Bringing Community Art Into Civic Life
Jacob Flores

The Role of Charter Schools in Latine Communities on Chicago’s Southwest Side
Edgar Flores

Strengthening Holistic Reentry: Advancing Post-Incarceration Outcomes
Nevaeh Gullette

The Impact of Sports on Delinquent Behavior Among Minority Youth
Ashley Jacobsen

Access to Care: Veterinary Technicians & Rabies Administration Across States
Angelynn Jimenez

AANAPISI Grant Impacts Among Asian American Students at the University ofIllinois Chicago (UIC) from 2010 to 2021
Saharay Lopez

Industrial Pollution, Employment, and Latino Communities in Chicago
Roma MacPherson Wilson

Rehabilitation or Punishment: A Policy Analysis of Incarceration and Recidivism in Cook County
Emma Morales

A Feminist Lens: The Big Beautiful Bill’s Effect on SNAP Recipients
Rasheedah Na'Allah

Neighborhood Disorder Through the Lens of Public Policy in Chicago
Priscilla Obikili

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: The Chilling Effect on U.S. Higher Education Institutions
Maria M Pampin Costa

It Takes A Village: North-West Side Organizations in Chicago Breaking the Generational Cycles of Violence in their Communities
Thanairy Perez Ramos

U.S. Environmental Deregulation and Its Impact on Puerto Rico’s Natural Resources and Ecosystems
Jose Ramirez

Assessing Health and Environmental Efficiency of Green Development in Post-Industrial Neighborhoods
Karina Santana

The Role of Higher Education and Equitable Funding
Dea Talelli

Impact of Federal & Local Policy on Access to Education for Undocumented Students in Illinois
Nicholas Tunks

Redevelopment & Demographic Change: Fulton Market Case Study
Luna Valderrama

How are Communities in Chicago's South and West Sides Affected by Environmental Racism?
Devonte West

The Impact of Social Emotional Learning throughout Chicago PublicSchools PreK– 12

Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement

College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs

UPPF Gallery of 2025-2026 Research Projects

Introduction

2025-2026 Research Projects

Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement