Our lab is committed to research that uplifts and amplifies the voices of women, minorities, children, older adults, and the LGBTQ+ community. But knowledge alone is not enough. Real change happens when we pair research with action.
See our Take Action page for practical steps and trusted resources to support these communities. Whether you're looking to advocate for policy changes, volunteer your time, educate yourself, or simply engage in more inclusive conversations, you’ll find actionable ways to make a difference here.
Together, we can create a more just and equitable world.
Our lab is dedicated to producing open-source, accessible research and resources aimed at promoting equity and supporting vulnerable communities—including women, minorities, children, older adults, and LGBTQ+ individuals. We believe that knowledge and tools for change should be available to everyone, free of charge.
However, funding for research broadly related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is increasingly being reduced or eliminated. This creates new challenges for researchers committed to studying issues that disproportionately affect underrepresented and marginalized populations.
Your Support Matters:
If our work has been helpful to you, and you are in a position to contribute, your support can help us bridge this funding gap. Every donation—no matter the size—allows us to sustain our research and invest in the next generation of social science leaders.
How Your Support Helps:
Funding Student Research: Your contributions directly support diverse students conducting research on issues that might otherwise go underfunded, including:
Workplace experiences of LGBTQ+ faculty and staff compared to their non-LGBTQ+ colleagues.
The development of a website to help prospective students assess universities’ LGBTQ+ friendliness based on our research.
Workshops to prevent child and adolescent sexual grooming (both digital and in-person).
Barriers men face when seeking orders of protection.
Transformative justice approaches for sex trafficking survivors.
And many other student-driven projects that address the needs of marginalized groups.
Supporting Student Professional Development: Your donation also helps fund conference travel, research training, and career development opportunities—ensuring that students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, gain the skills and networks they need to thrive.
Why Now?
As traditional funding streams for DEI-focused research decline, your support becomes even more critical. It helps ensure that the work of our students and researchers can continue—driving knowledge, influencing policy, and supporting those who need it most.
Join Us:
We remain committed to keeping all our research and resources freely available to the public. If you believe in our mission and have the means to contribute, we would be truly grateful for your support—whether it’s the equivalent of a cup of coffee or a larger gift. If you would like more information on current projects we are working to fund, please contact Dr. Walker at ruth-walker@utc.edu
Together, we can advance equity and ensure this work endures. Thank you for standing with us.