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The Center for Social Inquiry and Transformation (CSIT)

The Center for Social Inquiry and Transformation (CSIT), housed in UHD's College of Humanities and Social Sciences, fosters intercollege collaboration to support large-scale interdisciplinary projects and strengthen partnerships with community leaders and organizations. 

With Faculty Fellows from all four colleges, CSIT works to understand and address some of the most pressing social dynamics of our time, providing research-driven, community-oriented solutions to complex global and regional challenges.
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Mission

The Center for Social Inqury & Transformation is committed to exploring the intersection of social sciences, technology, and human experience to drive meaningful change. Through evidence-based solutions, we work to promote social well-being and address pressing societal challenges. By fostering collaboration in research, policy, and institutional change, we create pathways for lasting impact.

Our mission is to equip scholars and students with the tools to prepare for the future, integrating academic expertise, community knowledge, and policy development to develop innovative, real-world solutions that support sustainable social progress.
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2025 Scholar in Residence | Angela Davis

Angela Davis is a scholar and activist dedicated to social justice, focusing on racial, economic, and gender issues. She has taught at various higher education institutions, including the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she is Distinguished Professor Emerita. Davis has authored nine books and lectured globally.

UHD is honored to welcome Davis as the 2025 Scholar in Residence, where she will engage with the campus community through a series of academic discussions, public events, and educational programming.
Angela Davis

Core Areas of Impact

The Center for Social Impact & Transformation (CSIT) is dedicated to advancing meaningful change through research, policy, education, and innovation. By integrating academic inquiry with practical application, CSIT addresses pressing social challenges, fosters collaboration between institutions and communities, and equips individuals with the tools to shape a more just and sustainable future.

Our Core Areas of Impact reflect this commitment, spanning transdisciplinary research, policy development, transformational education, and social innovation.
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Transdisciplinary Research & Assessment

CSIT integrates academic research and real-world applications to assess and improve social programs, policies, and institutional practices.

Focus Areas
  •   Conducting in-depth studies on emerging social challenges.
  •   Evaluating the effectiveness of policies and programs.
  •   Bridging academic research and practical implementation.
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Social Practice & Policy Development

CSIT collaborates with policymakers, NGOs, and community organizations to design policies that support social cohesion and anticipate future needs.

Key Actions
  •   Developing policy recommendations and research-backed strategies.
  •   Strengthening the relationship between universities and policymakers.
  •   Promoting inclusive, forward-thinking solutions to social challenges.
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Transformational Education

CSIT fosters intellectual and civic engagement by providing educational programming that encourages forward-thinking approaches to social change.

Educational Initiatives
  •   Hosting public lectures, conferences, and workshops.
  •   Organizing collaborative learning communities.
  •   Preparing students and faculty to reimagine and anticipate the future.
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Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship

CSIT supports innovative initiatives and enterprises that address 21st-century social challenges through new models of entrepreneurship and problem-solving.

Innovation Focus
  • Encouraging new models of social enterprise and sustainable business practices.
  • Partnering with community-driven initiatives to solve real-world problems.
  •   Bridging academic research with practical applications for social impact.

Get Involved

Join us in advancing social inquiry and transformation. Whether you're a faculty member, student, policymaker, or community partner, CSIT offers opportunities for collaboration and engagement.

Ways to Participate
  •  Attend CSIT-hosted events, workshops, and lectures.
  •  Collaborate on interdisciplinary research projects.
  •  Partner with CSIT to develop policies and community-based solutions.
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Upcoming Events

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Connect with Us

Dr. Vida RobertsonDirector, CSIT

Dr. Vida Robertson

Phone: 713-222-5369
Office: N1042
Contact
Dr. Jonathan ChismAssistant Director, CSIT

Dr. Jonathan Chism

Phone: 713-221-8421
Office: N1060
Contact