Funded Projects

Team: Cain, S.M. (PI), Cramer, R.J. (Co-I), & Cacace, S. (Co-I)

Funder: American Public Health Association; NVDRS New Investigator Research Award

Total amount: $7,000

The leading theory used to explain suicidal thoughts and behaviors is the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (ITS) (Joiner, 2005; Van Orden et al., 2010). The ITS proposes that suicidal ideation transitions to death by suicide when a person experiences thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and acquired capability (Van Orden et al., 2010). Though the theory is supported for suicidal ideation and attempts, a need exists to test whether ITS can explain suicide deaths (Chu et al., 2017). This proposal will use the NVDRS to answer the following research questions (1) How well does the ITS, as defined by available theoretically-supported NVDRS indicators, fit violent deaths?, and (2) Does the ITS fit better in explaining suicide deaths compared to deaths of undetermined intent?

Team: Cramer, R.J. (PI), Cacace, S., Bowling, J., Post, A., & Peiper, L.J.

Funder: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS)

Total amount: $410,003

The overall goal of this proposal is to design, implement, and revise the Core Competency Model for Corrections (CCM-C), an evidence-based SDV prevention training program for correctional mental health providers in the NC Department of Adult Corrections. The specific aims are: (1) To create the CCM-C training program, (2) To assess preliminary training effectiveness, and (3) To gather training program quality improvement feedback from corrections stakeholders.

Team: Montanaro, E. (MPI), Mennicke, A. (MPI), Moxie, J. (Co-I), & McGonagle, A. (Co-I)

Funder: National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA)

Total amount: $415,769

Problematic alcohol use (PAU) is a common and serious health issue among college students, leading to negative outcomes such as assault, alcohol use disorders, and even death. Although PAU often occurs in group settings, bystanders frequently choose not to intervene. Little is known about why, when, or where this lack of response occurs, as there are no existing measures to assess bystander behavior in the context of PAU. Understanding these dynamics is critically needed before effective bystander interventions can be developed and evaluated. Our team developed the Bystander Intervention for Problematic Alcohol Use Model (BIPAUM) and tested a battery of scales to assess some constructs in the model. However, additional constructs were identified through our qualitative work, and corresponding scales need to be developed and tested. The specific aims of this project are to:

1. Develop measures for constructs such as Notice and Interpret, Identify Intervention Strategy, Assess Support, and Assess Outcomes.
2. Establish the psychometric properties and validate the remaining scales.
3. Establish measurement invariance of the scales.

Team: Bowling, J. (PI), Mennicke, A. (Co-I), Gunn, L., & Edwards, K.

Funder: National Institutes of Health/National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) (R15)

Total amount: $452,587

Abstract: Sexual and gender minority (e.g. lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer; SGM) emerging adults (18-25 years) experience sexual violence at a rate nearly double that of their heterosexual, cisgender peers. SGM emerging adults who receive a negative social reaction after disclosure of SV have increased levels of hazardous drinking as well as negative mental health outcomes. To decrease excessive alcohol use and improve mental health among SGM survivors of sexual violence, we will reconstruct an existing intervention (SSS), with promising but mixed effects in an initial pilot, to be delivered to SGM emerging adults, which aims to improve the social reaction they provide to SGM survivors of sexual violence.

Team: Shue-McGuffin, K. (PI), Mennicke, A.(Co-I), & Jordan (Co-I)

Funder: Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing

Total amount: $4,921

This project examines the human trafficking educational needs of healthcare professionals and evaluates simulation-based interprofessional education (Sim-IPE) as a training strategy. The study explores how healthcare teams recognize, respond to, and support trafficked individuals, aiming to enhance interprofessional collaboration and improve trauma-informed care. Findings will inform the development of scalable, adaptable training approaches for clinical settings.

Team: Cramer, R.J. (PI)

Funder: Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

Total amount: $50,100

This project aims to implement and sustain a national selective suicide prevention program designed specifically for LGBTQ+ Veterans. Through structured programming, targeted outreach, and evidence-based tools, the project seeks to increase access to supports, reduce stigma experiences, and improve mental health outcomes. The study evaluates feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness with the goal of creating a sustainable national model.

Team: Cramer, R.J. (PI)

Funder: Department of Defense (DoD)

Total amount: $4,098,402

This project tests the effectiveness of group-based Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (BCBT) in reducing suicidal ideation and behavior among active-duty military personnel. The study evaluates treatment outcomes, mechanisms of change, and feasibility within military behavioral health settings. Findings aim to identify scalable, evidence-supported strategies for suicide prevention in high-risk military populations.

Team: Mennicke, A. (PI)

Funder: Office on Women’s Health (OWH)

Total amount: $130,000

This project seeks to develop, implement, and test system-level improvements addressing high-priority issues in women’s health. Through cross-agency collaboration and data-driven assessments, the study identifies gaps, refines service pathways, and enhances care models. Findings will inform long-term strategies to strengthen women’s health systems and reduce health inequities.

Team: Mennicke, A. (PI)

Funder: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Total amount: $120,000

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the See It, Stop It (BiSiSi) program, a bystander-informed intervention to prevent child sex trafficking in middle schools. The study assesses knowledge, confidence, intervention behaviors, and implementation readiness. Results will guide national scaling of school-based trafficking prevention programs.

Team: Cramer, R.J. (PI)

Funder: Veterans Health Administration (VHA)

Total amount: $66,800

This hybrid study examines both the effectiveness and implementation of the Pride in All Who Served program, a structured group-based intervention supporting LGBTQ+ Veterans. The project explores mental health outcomes, minority stress reduction, and community connection, while simultaneously assessing implementation fidelity, barriers, facilitators, and scalability across VHA sites.

Team: Ricciutti, N. M.

Mentors: Mennicke, A. & McGonagle, A.

Funder: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Total amount: $404,319

Communities play a major role in preventing and intervening in adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), yet the role of community readiness to respond to ACEs is often overlooked. Community readiness is the degree to which a community is ready to address a systemic issue in the community, and can be assessed by community healthcare providers, leaders, and advocates via the Community Readiness Instrument (CRI). The first purpose of this early career award is to develop the ACEs-focused CRI to determine the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community’s readiness to address ACEs. The second purpose is to develop a strategic plan with community partners to formulate action steps that will increase Char-Meck’s readiness to change ACEs. At the end of the project, the PI will engage with community partners to (a) inform them about community readiness, (b) explain the study results, and (c) work with the partners to create objectives and action steps that will increase change readiness toward ACEs. This project will ultimately determine Char-Meck’s readiness to change ACEs and help increase the community’s change readiness to prevent and respond to ACEs.

Team: Chen, Y. (PI), & McGonagle, A. (Co-I)

Funder: North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT)

Total amount: $24,000 (Phase 1)

State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) are increasingly recognizing workplace violence and external aggression as important occupational safety and workforce wellbeing issues, particularly for employees who interact directly with the traveling public. However, there is currently limited information regarding how state DOTs define, prevent, report, and respond to workplace violence incidents. To address this gap, Chen and McGonagle will complete two phases. Phase 1 focuses on establishing the foundation for a national assessment through a comprehensive literature review, review of existing survey instruments and data collection approaches, identification of information gaps, and development of a survey instrument for use in Phase 2. The literature review will examine workplace violence prevention, reporting, and response practices relevant to transportation agencies, while the survey development effort will build upon existing knowledge and stakeholder input to support efficient data collection. The outcomes of Phase 1 will include a comprehensive literature review, identification of information gaps and future research needs, and a finalized survey instrument and supporting documentation. These products will provide the basis for Phase 2, which will administer the survey, document selected case examples, and synthesize findings to support future workplace violence prevention efforts within NCDOT and other transportation agencies.

Team: Gillani, B. (Co-I) & Bryant, D. (Co-I)

Funder: Gambrell Foundation

Total amount: $21,000

This mixed-methods study explores how belonging and awe can strengthen and sustain men working in caregiving professions, a workforce where men remain underrepresented and under-supported. The project combines qualitative interviews, surveys, and guided awe walks, where men experience awe together in nature while building the kind of thick, trusting relationships that caregiving work often doesn’t leave room for. Through this combination, the study identifies how shared wonder and genuine connection function as protective resources against burnout and isolation. The goal is to translate these findings into practical, asset-based strategies that help workplaces and communities retain caring men by strengthening what already draws them to this work, rather than treating their struggles as problems to fix.

Team: Gillani, B. (PI)

Funder: CHHS Research Enhancement Fund Award

Total amount: $2,100

This study examines how transmasculine adults build belonging and wholeness in the years following gender-affirming surgery. Using a systems dynamics approach, the research traces how embodiment, relationships, healthcare systems, and chosen community interact over time to shape a person’s sense of being fully at home in themselves. The project takes a strength-based approach, centering resilience and flourishing rather than difficulty or deficit. The result is a clearer picture of how transmasculine men move beyond survival after surgery and toward integrated, connected lives.

Team: Harris, M. & Cannon, J. (Co-PI’s)

Funder: CHESS Initiative on Very Important Questions 

Total amount: $10,000

Community Safety Links Us Together examines how perceptions of risk, responsibility, and safety shape bystander decision-making on Charlotte’s LYNX light rail. Prompted by recent violent incidents on the LYNX system, the project translates rider perspectives into a community-informed digital safety campaign designed to promote safe and effective bystander action in public transit environments. We are actively partnering with community organizations serving transit riders.

Team: Harris, M.

Funder: Faculty Research Grant funded by CHESS

Total amount: $8,000

This project develops and pilot tests an evidence-based online workshop that helps caregivers of K-12 youth recognize and respond to online risks — including grooming, harassment, exploitation, and AI-enabled abuse — in gaming and social media. Grounded in criminological and behavioral theory, it translates research into practical, scalable tools for keeping young people safer online.