The Confluence Collaborative for Community Engagement successfully convened its first research symposium, “Bridging Research and Community: A Symposium on Community-Engaged Research,” on October 15, 2025, at the Delmar DivINe.
The symposium brought together WashU faculty, staff, and St. Louis community partners for an afternoon of dialogue and collaboration focused on advancing community-engaged research in the region. The event emphasized the importance of building sustainable partnerships between academic and community partners to address pressing societal challenges.
Voices from the Field
The symposium opened with a panel discussion, “Voices from the Field: Community-Engaged Scholarship in Action,” featuring Dr. Kelly Harris (WashU), Dr. Veronica Macklin (Hazelwood School District), Dr. Cheryl Harris (Normandy Schools Collaborative), Dr. Rowhea Elmesky (WashU), Dr. Susan Hill (School District of University City), and Matthew Tuths (University City High School). These community and academic leaders shared insights on how collaborative partnerships are transforming research practices to better address the unique needs and priorities of local communities.
Exploring Critical Issue Areas
Following the opening panel, participants had the opportunity to connect in smaller groups to begin conversations around the following four areas: “Urban Food Systems and Security,” “Community Resilience and Adaptation in a Changing Climate,” “Collaborating for Health Equity,” and “Economic and Social Mobility.”
Urban Food Systems and Security
Community Resilience and Adaptation in a Changing Climate
Collaborating for Health Equity
Economic and Social Mobility
Understanding the Funding Landscape
The afternoon concluded with a panel on “Funding and Research Support Landscape,” featuring Brian Washington from the Missouri Foundation for Health, Dr. Preeti Dalawari from The Longer Life Foundation, and Nicole Moore from the WashU Research Development Office. The panelists shared perspectives on how philanthropic efforts and institutional support can drive impactful community-engaged research projects. They discussed funding priorities, application strategies, and the types of projects that resonate with funders committed to community benefit.
Building Sustainable Partnerships
Throughout the symposium, a consistent theme emerged: the need for sustained partnerships built on trust, transparency, and shared goals.
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Photo credit | Gara Elizabeth