Catholic University faculty and students are immersed in a culture of research. In this series of reports we offer a sampling of the many big questions they are working on: Why does history matter? What are the dynamics of organizational culture, and how can we fix toxic ones? What can we do to prevent suicide?

The questions reflect the depth and breadth of our research, and they show that creative research is not limited to STEM areas, though it is certainly found there. Researchers at Catholic University are addressing big problems like human trafficking, immigration, mental health, and poverty. Work like this says something about the relationship between research and service, and how we are specially charged to connect the two in our academic endeavors. 

  • Julio Bermudez

    How Does Architecture Connect Us to the Divine?

    Julio Bermudez has been studying the relationship between architecture, culture, and spirituality for nearly 30 years.

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  • Robin Darling Young

    How Can We Preserve Culture and Traditions?

    Professor Robin Darling Young has a deep appreciation for the culture and traditions of Eastern Christianity, specifically Greek, Armenian, and Syriac communities dating back to late antiquity.

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  • Andrew Yeo

    What is the Future of U.S.-China Relations?

    "The relationship between the United States and China is one of the defining challenges of the 21st century,” says Andrew Yeo, associate professor of politics and director of the Asian Studies program.

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  • Brandon Vaidyanathan

    What Creates Unhealthy Organizational Cultures?

    All organizations — workplaces, schools, etc. — have their own specific cultures. Sociologist Brandon Vaidyanathan explores what happens when these cultures are unhealthy.

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  • Melissa Grady

    How Do We Stop Sexual Violence?

    Melissa Grady says that in order to prevent sexual violence, as a society we need to design and implement programs that address primary intervention programs, secondary interventions targeting those who are at risk, and tertiary interventions targeting those who have already committed crimes.

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  • Tobias Hoffmann

    What Can Angels Teach Us about Free Will?

    In the Middle Ages, angels were seen as interesting cases for discussions about free will. Philosopher Tobias Hoffmann explores this topic in his recent research.

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  • David Jobes

    How Can Suicide Rates Be Reduced?

    Psychologist David Jobes has dedicated more than 30 years to researching and implementing his CAMS approach to clinical suicide prevention.

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  • Julia Young

    How Is Immigration History Relevant Today?

    Julia Young's research on the history of immigration is more timely than ever now that immigration has become such a contentious topic in the United States.

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  • Venigalla Rao

    How Can Viruses Work to Heal?

    Catholic University biology professor Venigalla Rao is leading research to learn about the basic mechanisms of a virus and apply this knowledge to redesign the virus for beneficial purposes.

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  • Anthony Cannizzaro

    Can Multinationals Contribute to the Common Good?

    Business professor Anthony Cannizzaro researches the complex economic relationships among firms, governments, and civil societies that shape the international business landscape.

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  • Ian Pegg

    How Can Glass Contain Nuclear Waste?

    Ian Pegg's work centers on nuclear waste management through a process called vitrification, in which radioactive waste is transformed into a very durable glass using a 2,000-degree Fahrenheit melter.

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  • Elizabeth Hawkins-Walsh

    How Can School Clinics Support At-Risk Children?

    Elizabeth Hawkins-Walsh directs a Catholic University partnership with local government and medical organizations to deliver needed primary health care services through school-based clinics.

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  • Jacqueline Leary-Warsaw

    Can Perfectionism Be a Problem?

    Jacqueline Leary-Warsaw's research into perfectionism in the performing arts has led her to advocate for curriculum that addresses wellness of mind and body.

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  • Mary Leary

    Can Laws Combat Human Trafficking?

    Former federal prosecutor Mary Graw Leary's research influences policy, national discourse, and scholarship on social issues such as human trafficking and the exploitation and abuse of women and children.

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  • Aaron Dominguez

    Can Faith and Science Work Together?

    University Provost Aaron Dominguez is a particle physicist who was drawn to Catholic University as a place where faith and academic freedom coexist without conflict.

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