Marian University Strengthens Research Culture with New Grants and Leadership

Marian University continues to expand its research enterprise, announcing the 2025 Scholarly Learning Communities (SLC) Intramural Grant recipients and the appointment of a new Director of Undergraduate Research.

Launched in 2024, the SLC Intramural Grant Program has awarded nearly $40,000 across two funding cycles to support interdisciplinary projects aligned with Marian’s three SLC themes: Human Flourishing, Aging and Society, and Innovation in STEHM Education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Health Professions, and Mathematics). The 2025 grant recipients are:

• Dr. Kamila Deavers (College of Arts & Sciences)
• Dr. David Ferrell (Marian University's Ancilla College)
• Dr. Jeremy Jones (Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine)
• Dr. Shannon Wolfman (College of Arts & Sciences)

All funded projects emphasize collaboration, student engagement, community outreach, and public dissemination, with potential for external funding.

“This is a capacity-building initiative designed to mobilize Marian’s talent to meet the world’s most pressing needs,” said Dr. Jonathan Lowery, Assistant Provost for Research & Scholarship. “Our Scholarly Learning Communities are about changing the world — together.”

In addition to awarding grants, Marian University has appointed Dr. Zane Elward, Assistant Professor of History, as Director of Undergraduate Research. Dr. Elward, a nationally recognized scholar in modern European and Italian cultural history, will lead efforts to expand student research opportunities across all disciplines, including the Undergraduate Summer Scholars Program and the Showcase of Scholarship.

“Dr. Elward’s leadership will be key to building a research culture that blends academic rigor with our Franciscan mission,” said Dr. Lowery. “He brings exceptional integrity, creativity, and commitment to student success.”

Dr. Elward added, “Marian students are deeply curious and talented. I am honored to support their journey as scholars and active contributors to their fields.”

For more information about Marian’s research initiatives, visit www.marian.edu/provost/research-and-scholarship/scholarly-learning-communities-initiative or contact the Office of Undergraduate Research at our@marian.edu.

Jonathan Lowery, Ph.D.

Zane Elward, Ph.D.