The Penn Community Collaboratory for Co-Creation — a joint venture by the School of Nursing and the School of Engineering and Applied Science — recently granted funding to five research projects that propose solutions to advance health, well-being, and safety.
Penn4C focuses on implementing technology-based solutions that engage with marginalized communities in Philadelphia. The five new projects include initiatives to improve care for childhood asthma and create an AI-based community arts platform, according to the Penn Nursing announcement.
Two projects will focus on the neighborhood of Tioga, Philadelphia. The “North10 Heat Islands” project will narrow in on efforts to reduce urban heat stress in Hunting Park and East Tioga, constructing prototypes for cooling shelters to be implemented in local bus stops. A separate land care project will take place in North Tioga, with a primary objective of developing a tool that will pick up nearby debris and trash in the area, improving the welfare of residents.
One project will focus on medical healthcare through electronic health records, concentrating on the effects of asthma on marginalized communities and working towards adjusting medical information systems to better accommodate young asthma patients.
The last two projects are youth-focused initiatives. One is the “Smoothie Bike Project,” which will teach Penn students, local high school students, and staff at the Netter Center how to repurpose blenders into electricity-free smoothie making machines — engaging students in both science and physical education. The online “Digital Healing” project will involve collaboration between Penn4C and Creative Resilient Youth to co-design and co-develop an online platform that will serve as an AI-driven arts space. The platform aims to be culturally responsive and crafted for community healing.
“This is a unique opportunity for us to engage communities to actively co-design innovative solutions that truly meet the needs of those who have the lived experience,” George Demiris, associate dean for research and innovation at the Nursing School and co-director of Penn4C, said in the announcement.
Penn4C is currently calling for ideas for new community-based projects on their website, with submissions closing mid-May.
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