Transdisciplinary Research Incubator
Harnessing the intellectual power of our community, we're building teams of faculty, students, and external partners from different fields to focus on the most important research questions.
As part of the new Strategic Plan, Delivering on the Promise of Fordham, Fordham has launched a transdisciplinary research incubator (TRI) to tackle pressing issues, solve complex societal challenges, and make a tangible difference in the world.
Student Research Opportunities
During our inaugural year, we're recruiting undergraduate* and graduate students for 8 research teams led by Fordham faculty on topics such as climate change, artificial intelligence, democracy, and migration. Pursue research interests relevant to your studies, provide research and project management support, and practice communication across disciplines. All students will receive a stipend of up to $2,000 for participating on a TRI team.
The deadline is at 11:59 pm, September 18, 2026.
*Incoming first-year undergraduate students are not eligible to apply.
Information Fair September 10
Talk with team leaders and team members about their research teams, projects, and tips for applying.
Thursday, September 10
3 – 5 p.m.
12th-Floor Lounge, Lowenstein Center
Lincoln Center Campus
2026 - 2027 Research Projects
The TRI Advisory Committee selected 8 research projects for the 2026-2027 academic year from faculty proposals submitted in the spring of 2026. Learn more about the project selection process.
Math Learning and Teaching with Generative AI
Use rational number learning to evaluate AI-generated feedback, remediate misconceptions, and identify the human factors driving student success.
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The Story Before the Sentence
Explore how sentencing mitigation videos inform the decisions of judges and district attorneys in the criminal justice system.
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The Language Justice Lab
Help equip advanced heritage and native-speaking students with specialized translation training to ensure equitable access to essential community care.
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Co-Designing the Migrant Accompaniment Lab
Design a collaborative model for holistic migrant accompaniment and support in partnership with community organizations.
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Stomping and Scraping
Investigate the media coverage and public perception around invasive species management.
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Functional Biodiversity and Climate Resilience
Integrate biology, economics, law, and communication to explore how ecological functions drive resilience to better inform policy, economic models, and public understanding.
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AI Data Centers’ Energy and Water Consumption
Develop policy solutions that mitigate the environmental and societal impacts of generative AI infrastructure.
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Subway Science for Informed Riders
Create research-backed public service announcements for New York City subways to educate riders on how technology truly impacts youth development.
Learn MoreAbout the TRI
Fordham’s Transdisciplinary Research Incubator (TRI) will leverage the intellectual power, Jesuit values and ethos, and the expertise of faculty and students, along with external partners, to design, develop, and disseminate transdisciplinary research. Our focus is on addressing complex societal, regional, and global challenges.
Fordham's transdisciplinary research incubator promises to be a distinctive and bold initiative, uniquely positioning the university as an innovator in higher education. The incubator will:
- Meet a Crucial Need: The incubator will sponsor research teams that directly address today's challenges by pursuing applied research.
- Embrace a Holistic Approach: The incubator will transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries, bringing together diverse research teams to develop more robust and practical solutions to complex problems.
- Engage with External Partners: The incubator will actively involve external partners in the research process to combine the university's intellectual depth with the innovative spirit and practical knowledge of collaborators beyond the academy.
- Create Actionable Results: The incubator will prioritize producing actionable research outcomes, ensuring that the work product has a tangible impact.