Two projects were chosen in August to receive funding as a part of DISC’s monthly seed funding project. Both projects will help further DISC’s mission to find convergent solutions to societal challenges on both a local and global level.
The projects are:
Availability of Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations and EV Adoption Rate
Led by Kwangyul Choi with Anni Yang
As electric vehicles become increasingly popular, the demand for charging stations has also grown. Although some states have offered incentives to residents such as free parking, some consumers remain hesitant to make the transition. The researchers plan to measure the availability and accessibility of electric vehicle charging stations in over 300 U.S. metropolitan areas and use statistical analysis to assess how the distance between stations can affect the current adoption rate of these vehicles. Their findings could support policymakers and urban planners to develop strategies to encourage the sales of electric vehicles and efficiently accommodate rising demand.
With Our Own Eyes: Using Photovoice for Youth in Foster Care to Understand Aspirations
Led by Ren Ferraro and Heather Lepper-Pappan
Using Photovoice – an innovative research method that enables participants to share their experiences and advocate for themselves by taking and reflecting on photos – the researchers hope to give a voice to highly vulnerable youth in foster care. The researchers believe by using Photovoice participants can prioritize their own experience by encouraging them to think about the meaning behind the images they take while answering guided questions about the future.
To learn more about the monthly seed funding program, click here.
