Community Engagement

The UR CTSI is dedicated to engaging the community at all stages of research to identify needs, establish research partnerships, and develop strategies to meet those needs. We train researchers and community members to work together and provide funding to support and advance these partnerships.

Teams & Programs

Community Advisory Council

This council represents the voice of the community to guide and support education, research, patient care and community health efforts at the University of Rochester Medical Center.

Population Health Coordinating Committee

This interdisciplinary group collaborates with clinical and community service programs across the university to advance research and education programs in population health and community engagement.

Dissemination and Implementation

The rapidly growing field of dissemination and implementation science examines the process by which scientific evidence is implemented in clinical settings and communities. Our team works with researchers to help design and evaluate evidence-based interventions.

Community Engagement Function Team

John Cullen, Ph.D., Community Engagement Function Leader, Professor in the UR CTSI and Center for Community Health & Prevention

Theresa Green, Ph.D., M.B.A., Community Engagement Education Coordinator and Director of Community Health Policy and Education

Kathleen Holt, Ph.D., Community Engagement Senior Scientist

Silvia Sorensen, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Human Development in the Warner School of Education, Center for Community Health & Prevention and the Department of Ophthalmology

Laura Sugarwala, M.B.A., R.D., Director of Community Health Partnerships at the Center for Community Health & Prevention

Research Spotlight

How Can Community Influence Research? Community-Based Participatory Research Day Had the Answer

Research that bridges the gap between researchers and community members was the focus at Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) Day on December 3. The event, co-sponsored by the Center for Community Health and Prevention and UR CTSI, brought together over 80 researchers and community representatives for presentations, workshops, and networking opportunities to educate and equip them for collaboration.

Other Opportunities

Community Engagement in Research and Population Health Online Course

Explore the importance of engaging community as researchers, educators and managers to improve the health of the population. In this free, online course, participants will learn about the changing health system landscape, how delivery systems work together to plan health improvement, and how effective community-based participation in research and intervention is crucial to develop effective solutions. Visit Coursera to enroll.

Satcher Community Health Improvement Awards

The Dr. David Satcher Community Health Improvement Awards recognizes URMC faculty and staff for significant contributions to the health of the community through research, teaching, practice, and/or service programs. Learn more about the Satcher Awards.