Summary

Tune in to the Hub’s third-annual Summer Scholars Research Showcase on June 30th and July 1st to learn about the vital work each student has pursued throughout the program and how their efforts support CHEER’s research goals.

Over the course of six weeks, each of the Hub’s seven summer scholars formulated their own unique research question and explored that topic through various endeavors. These experiences, which ranged from site visits across Eastern North Carolina to meetings with the Hub’s various partners, have allowed them to capture local knowledge and insight through interviews, data collection, and other research activities.

The CHEER Hub’s annual Summer Scholars Research Showcase provides an opportunity for each student to present their key findings to peers, community stakeholders, and Hub faculty and staff. 

There will be seven 30-minute virtual presentations over the course of two days. On Monday, June 30th, presentations will run from 9:30 am to 2:45 pm. The remaining three students will present from 10:30 am to 1:45 pm on Tuesday, July 1st. Each presentation includes an additional 15 minutes for audience questions and discussion. All times are listed in Eastern Standard Time (EST). 

 

Monday, June 30, 2025

Who Do Residents Trust When Disaster Strikes? A Self-Reflection on What Makes a Leader Trustworthy (9:30–10:15 am)

Yvonne Dadson | University at Albany – State University of New York

Yvonne’s work examines trust relationships from the perspective of community gatekeepers, exploring how these relationships function as crucial networks for effective community engagement and determine resilience and recovery outcomes.

 

¿Se habla Español?: Closing the Gap in Hurricane Risk Communication in Eastern North Carolina (10:30–11:15 am)

Michelle Ruiz | University of Florida

Michelle’s presentation will focus on how hurricane risk is communicated to Hispanic communities in Eastern North Carolina. She will highlight existing communication gaps and explore opportunities to develop more inclusive community outreach.

 

Bearing the Storm: Navigating Emotional and Mental Health Demands in Post-Disaster Recovery Work (1:00–1:45 pm)

Emma Reed | University of Delaware

Emma’s presentation will focus on the emotional and mental health burdens faced by planners and service providers in post-hurricane Eastern North Carolina.

 

Buyouts to Parks: How Can Local Governments and Communities Utilize Acquisitions as Community Green Spaces (2:00–2:45 pm)

Layla Hood | Kansas State University

Layla’s project investigates the management and planning strategies that local governments can use to obtain support for successful parks and green spaces.

 

 

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Are Grant Funding Processes Equitable for Marginalized Communities? (11:30–12:15 pm)

Ryan Gohi Bi | East Carolina University

Ryan’s project focuses on equity and access to grant funding for marginalized communities. He’s examining strategies and approaches to enhance the process.

 

Beneath the Surface: How Critical Infrastructure Powers Hurricane Resiliency (1:00–1:45 pm)

Sara Berg | University of New Hampshire

Sara’s research investigates Eastern North Carolina’s most important and vulnerable infrastructure through the perspective of hurricane planning and response coordinators, service providers, and community members. Her presentation will highlight how infrastructure shapes hurricane mitigation, decision making, and recovery efforts and what that means for those living through it.

 

Missing Pieces: What Role Does Storytelling Play in Disaster Research, Resilience, and Recovery? (2:00- 2:45 pm)

Annie Blimmel | University of Delaware

Annie’s project is dedicated to sharing stories from community leaders in Eastern North Carolina in order to identify and bridge the gaps that exist in current disaster research models.

 

 

For more information about the event, download the Hub’s 2025 Summer Scholars Research Showcase Flyer or email CHEER Education Director Meghan Millea.