Office of the Provost
2027 PRIDE Fund Projects
Nine projects were selected to receive PRIDE Fund grants in 2026. The President’s Research, Innovation, and Development toward Excellence (PRIDE) Fund provides Lindenwood faculty and students with grants to financially support projects promoting research, scholarship, community partnerships, and creative activity at Lindenwood University. The funding supports the growth of student experiences, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Amy Estlund, PhD
Public Health
College of Science, Technology, and Health
This project trains and supervises two student Peer Health Educators who support campus-wide health promotion programming. The peer educators create passive programming, Health Huts, Wellness Wagons, health communication campaigns, LARC health literacy resources, class visits, and outreach activities connected to the Partners in Prevention campus health priorities.
Shani L. Golovay, PhD
Biology
College of Science, Technology, and Health
Michelle Whitacre, PhD
Curriculum and Instruction
College of Education and Human Services
This project creates a “Legacy Lion Plant” program that connects introductory biology students with plant propagation, long-term plant care, greenhouse engagement, and student research. Students propagate and monitor plants, participate in open greenhouse activities, and contribute to the development of curricula and toolkits that also support K–12 science education.
Jessica Moon, PhD
Exercise Science
College of Science, Technology, and Health
This research project examines how hormonal status and biological sex relate to knee stability, tendon properties, balance, and muscular strength in young, active adults. The study compares naturally cycling women, hormonal contraceptive users, and men while providing students with hands-on experience in clinical and laboratory-based assessment techniques.
Sharmini Nair, PhD
Political Science
College of Arts and Humanities
This project supports Lindenwood’s Ecofest, a sustainability-focused Earth Day event that involves students, faculty, staff, student organizations, and community partners. Students research environmental topics, create presentations or informational booths, and help promote sustainable practices and environmental awareness across campus.
Robert Smith, PhD
Exercise Science
College of Science, Technology, and Health
This research project examines strength, power, fatigue, and neuromuscular responses in male and female high school and collegiate soccer players. Using laboratory-based testing methods such as dynamometry and electromyography, the project generates data relevant to athletic development, injury risk, and training practices while engaging student researchers.
James Hutson, PhD
Art History
College of Arts and Humanities
This project launches a podcast pilot through the Human-Centered AI and Interactive Technology Hub. Students help produce an eight-episode season focused on AI in education, leadership, workforce development, innovation, and institutional transformation while gaining experience in research, interviewing, editing, promotion, and digital media production.
Tricia Zweier, MFA, MS
Performing Arts – Dance
College of Arts and Humanities
This interdisciplinary creative project combines plant and fungal bioelectric activity, technology, music, and dance. In collaboration with artists and scientists, the project translates plant and fungal signals into sound and movement and produces performances, workshops, and lecture-demonstrations that explore creativity, ecology, and non-human intelligence.
Daniel Plate, PhD
English
College of Arts and Humanities
This project pilots a public-facing AI upskilling workshop series in partnership with the St. Louis County Library. The program serves adult learners, small business owners, nonprofit practitioners, job seekers, and entrepreneurs while providing paid student roles in curriculum development, facilitation, laboratory support, and assessment.
Weston Anderson, PhD
Criminal Justice
College of Science, Technology, and Health
This exploratory research project surveys police cadets about mental health resource awareness, social support, and social undermining during academy training. The project involves local police academies, supports student research engagement, and generates data that informs future studies and potential improvements in cadet support.