News | UChicago Civic Engagement

09/05/2023

From Panama to Chicago: one student’s dream to make real-world impact fuels next-gen materials science

Carlos Medina Jimenez's dream led him 2,400 miles north to the UChicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME), where he’s now tapping into one of engineering’s most mercurial and sought-after materials—zwitterionic polymers.

08/30/2023

Parental incarceration increases cardiovascular risk in young adults

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of racial disparities in mortality between Black and white people in the United States. New research from the University of Chicago Medicine suggests that parental incarceration may be contributing to these health gaps.

08/15/2023

Center for Municipal Finance research on Cook County scavenger sale leads to state legislation and reform

The Center for Municipal Finance found that Cook County’s inequitable Scavenger Sale doesn’t work. Now, the state is poised to reform it and unfair property tax codes across Illinois.

08/09/2023

Startups to receive additional support through ‘Opportunity Zones’ programming

The Polsky Center, on behalf of the Duality quantum startup accelerator and the Polsky Exchange, has been approved for the Chicagoland Opportunity Zones Consortium’s (COZC) technical assistance initiative.

08/08/2023

New Inclusive Innovation Fund is helping prepare South Side residents for growing opportunities in STEM

The Inclusive Innovation initiative aims to engage local students, educators, and workers and connect them to the city’s growing scientific ecosystem, thereby helping to generate a diverse talent pipeline in the sciences and spur economic growth on the historically under-resourced South Side.

08/07/2023

Chicago Sun Times: Quantum quarterbacks: Pritzker’s a ‘geek’ for computing science that Emanuel calls ‘cutting edge of the next generation’

Governor J.B. Pritzker is working to establish Illinois as a quantum technology leader, attracting investments and talent. His goal is to position the state as a key player in the emerging field, potentially rivaling China's quantum advancements.

08/01/2023

IT apprenticeship spurs new career pathways for City Colleges of Chicago students

The University’s Information Assurance team within IT Services was so impressed with Vanessa Martin’s work, what was supposed to be a six-week internship grew into a year-long apprenticeship. This spring, Martin was offered a full-time role as an assistant risk analyst at the University.

08/01/2023

Ashley L. Brown Joins Office of Civic Engagement as Associate Vice President for Strategic Initiatives

In the role, Brown will oversee strategic lines of effort, including economic and community development, government affairs, inclusive innovation, communications, and other OCE-led, university-wide initiatives, working closely with staff who lead those areas of work.

07/31/2023

IGNITE brings together Chicago nonprofit leaders for business education and peer support

Each leadership group participated in classroom sessions led by Chicago Booth faculty and nonprofit practitioners, learning about a variety of topics from decision-making to optimizing programming and services.

07/28/2023

‘Makes Me Wanna Holla’ puts injustices of carceral system on display

Open through Sept. 10 at the Logan Center for the Arts, the “Makes Me Wanna Holla: Art, Death & Imprisonment” exhibition explores the injustices of the carceral system through the voices and art of those who have experienced them firsthand.

07/26/2023

Small business spotlight: Larvetta Loftin built L3 Agency to deliver culturally-aware content, showcase Black female talent

Larvetta Loftin, founder and CEO of full-service influencer marketing and communications firm The L3 Agency, has coined a motto that guides how she approaches her career: “Doing what you love with kindness, grace, and excellence.”

07/20/2023

Research to support grieving parents receives $6.2 million grant

A research team at UChicago Medicine and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago has been approved for a $6.2 M award to study strategies to bridge gaps in the healthcare system and help bereaved parents connect with existing community resources after the unexpected or traumatic death of their child.