Advancing Community-Engaged Research via the Food Justice Research and Action Cluster

A Transdisciplinary Ecosystem Model Advancing Community

Abstract

Merrimack College is a Catholic Augustinian College. This single institutional case study shares the work of faculty and the College to institutionalize community engaged research through the development of a Community Engaged Action & Research Cluster (CERC). Through the case study, we elucidate the sphere of influence of faculty with regard to community engagement and the ways in which that sphere of influence can add value to individual careers and the institution as a whole. This case study also demonstrates the impact of institutional engagement initiatives on faculty research and civic engagement in food justice.