Research Sprints subjectId: 690579

Research Sprints offer University of Miami faculty and staff the opportunity to partner with a team of library experts on a component of their broader project. Each Research Sprint will take place over the course of two days to address the project-based obstacle and deliver a tangible plan or outcome. 

The Research Sprints initiative (previously called the U-Link Research Sprints) was created in 2019 through collaboration between the library and the University’s Laboratory for Integrated Knowledge (U-LINK) and has now expanded to support research teams more broadly. For more information on the history of the University of Miami Libraries’ support for U-LINK, please see U-LINK Librarians and Support for Interdisciplinary Research.

The Research Sprints program facilitates a collaborative and intensive research opportunity for faculty-led research teams to enhance their projects, improve research skills, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, support pedagogical innovation and brainstorming, and produce high-quality research outputs within a set timeframe by providing targeted research services. Research Sprints are open to faculty from all schools, departments and colleges. Work during the Research Sprints will involve collaboration between the research group and the librarians and/or relevant specialists proposed by the Research Sprints Committee. 

Research Sprints dedicate time for team-based problem solving and/or brainstorming. University of Miami Libraries’ Sprints aim to foster engaging and equitable collaborations that advance interdisciplinary research for the public good. Each member of the Sprint Team brings unique ideas, creativity, and expertise that are essential to building projects and connections during this period and beyond. We believe that the expertise of librarians and other specialists can enrich the goals and outcomes of interdisciplinary research. Sprints differ from standard library consultations in their timing and depth of interaction, in their orientation to interdisciplinary research and public scholarship, and in their aim to build sustainable campus and community connections. 

1. A principal investigator or at least 1 project team leader must be a University of Miami faculty member. 

2. PI or team lead must approve the Research Sprint application submission. 

3. The desired Research Sprint outcome must be achievable in <= 2 days. 

4. Members of the research group must be present for the entire duration of the Research Sprint. 

4. Long-term budget and personnel needs for the research group must already be established. 

1. Project demonstrates long-term viability and meaningful contribution to subject area of research concern. 

2. There is rationale for partnering with University Libraries to accomplish the project and the role of library staff in supporting the project. 

Title: An Examination of the Effects of Nature Exposure on Colorectal Cancer Outcomes in Adolescents and Adults: A Systematic Review

"Colorectal cancer (CRC) presents a major clinical and public health challenge, driven by its complex and multifactorial etiology. While established risk factors such as diet, genetics, and lifestyle behaviors are well recognized, increasing attention is being directed toward the role of environmental influences. Among these, exposure to natural environments, such as green spaces and other forms of nature contact, has emerged as a potentially protective factor, with growing evidence suggesting links to reduced inflammation, stress, and sedentary behavior. This is particularly relevant in light of the alarming rise in CRC incidence among younger adults, a trend not fully explained by traditional risk factors. As such, examining the relationship between nature exposure and colorectal cancer offers a timely and underexplored avenue for both prevention and health equity research."

Research Team:

• Padideh Lovan (PI), Postdoctoral Associate at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the School of Nursing and Health Studies
• Scott Brown, Research Associate Professor of Public Health Sciences and Architecture and Director, University of Miami Built Environment, Behavior and Health Research Group
• Faith Joseph, Undergraduate Research Assistant

Library Team:

• Layal Hneiny, Clinical Research Librarian
• Erica Newcome, STEM and Interdisciplinary Research Librarian
• John Reynolds, Reference and Education Librarian
• Thilani Samarakoon, Biomedical Data Librarian

Title: Miami as Ground Zero: Tracing the Magic City’s Environmental History and Future

“This project is about understanding the environmental past of South Florida and how urban growth and development have impacted the natural landscape and what kinds of policy decisions and planning outcomes have led to transformations of our regional  environmental conditions." - Dr. Bachin

Research Team: 

• Robin Bachin (PI), Assistant Provost for Civic and Community Engagement
• Marisa Hightower, Associate Director, Programs for Civic and Community Engagement
• Changshuo Sun, Philosophy Graduate Student
• Adelina Tratarou, History Graduate Student

Library Team:

• Kineret Ben-Knaan, Director of Technical Services at the University of Miami Libraries
• Jenna Courtade, Research Data Management Librarian
• Lily De La Fuente, Humanities Librarian
• Christina Larson, Assistant Director at the Center for the Humanities
• Adrian Legaspi, History, Religious Studies, Political Science, International Studies, and Modern Languages & Literatures Librarian
• Larissa Montas Bravo, GIS Librarian
• Erica Newcome, STEM and Interdisciplinary Research Librarian
• Cameron Riopelle, Director of Research Data & Open Scholarship
• Beatrice Colastin Skokan, Head of Manuscripts & Archives Management, Curator of Caribbean Collections & Subject Liaison for French and Francophone Studies

Title: Systematic review of the impact of grandparent involvement on child health outcomes

Research Team:

• Cynthia Lebron (PI), Asst. Professor in the School of Nursing and Health Studies
• Yaray Agosto, Research Associate at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine
• Vanessa Morales, Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine
• Elizabeth Pulgaron, Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics

Library Team:

• Saily Marrero, Nursing & Health Studies, Biology, and Psychology Librarian
• Erica Newcome, STEM and Interdisciplinary Research Librarian
• John Reynolds, Reference and Education Librarian
• Thilani Samarakoon, Biomedical Data Librarian

Have questions before applying? Pre-application consultations are available.

researchsprints@miami.edu

Application Opens: March 1, 2026

Application Closes: March 31, 2026

Review period: April 1-15, 2026

Results notification: April 22, 2026

Response (accept or decline): May 6, 2026

Sprints held: May 7- August 14, 2026