THRIVE: Faculty Innovation in Action

Where social science ideas connect — and innovation takes root.

ISSR’s THRIVE program helps UA faculty transform bold, interdisciplinary social science ideas into high-impact collaborations. Early evaluation shows it’s working: participants report stronger confidence, deeper cross-disciplinary ties, and momentum toward large-scale proposals.

Note: Applications for the next THRIVE cohort open January 2026.

BRAVO-Vets: Building Stronger Futures for Alabama’s Veterans

Empowering change through social science, compassion, and community partnership.

BRAVO-Vets — Brain Health, Resource Facilitation, And Veteran Outreach — uses evidence-based social science and community partnerships to support Alabama’s justice-involved veterans. Meet Eli, a Marine veteran who rebuilt his life — securing stable housing, setting new goals, and rediscovering purpose.

New Faculty Expand ISSR’s Research Frontiers

Interdisciplinary by design. Impactful by nature.

ISSR welcomes:

Dr. Jacob Harris -- Criminal justice systems and data science

Dr. Wanyun (Abby) Shao -- Resilience and risk perception

Dr. Xinyue Ye -- GeoAI and computational social science

Their expertise strengthens ISSR as a hub for transformative, data-driven social science that improves lives.

Global Learning, Local Impact: ISSR Evaluators Strengthen International Research Experiences

Global experiences, stronger researchers, brighter futures.

From Portugal to the Czech Republic to Australia, ISSR evaluators assess how global research experiences build STEM students’ skills and cross-cultural understanding. Findings show increased research confidence, global perspective, and career readiness.

TRIP Lab Featured in UA’s “Where Legends Are Made” Campaign

At ISSR, legends aren’t just made — they’re mentored.

When UA’s Where Legends Are Made campaign wanted to showcase innovation that saves lives, they came straight to ISSR’s TRIP Lab. The feature spotlights alumnus Price Ledbetter, whose simulator experience ignited his passion for research and technology. See how mentorship and applied social science at ISSR turn students into leaders — and research into impact.

Innovation at the Intersection: Engineers + Social Scientists Drive Safer Roads

Where technology and social science meet for public good.

At the TRIP Lab, engineering precision meets social science insight. Custom software models complex roadway scenarios — from specialized tow-truck operations to emergency-response drills — so researchers can test safety interventions before they reach the highway.

TRIP Lab Outreach in Action

Social science in the community -- transforming research in road safety.

From statewide events to youth programs, TRIP Lab brings social science-based safety education on the road with its portable driving simulator.

Leadership in Motion: Faculty and Staff Recognition

Leading through social science and collaboration.

Kudos to ISSR Director, Despina Stavrinos, Dr. Ben McManus, and Caroline Justice for national and campus leadership appointments advancing social science innovation and interdisciplinary research at UA.