Administrative Core

Administrative Core

The Administrative Core of CECHE provides the foundation for advancing research and community-driven solutions at the intersection of the built environment and health. We aim to bridge critical gaps in transdisciplinary collaboration by:

  • Integrating Climate and Health Research – Addressing the fragmentation of climate science and interventions by incorporating both quantitative and qualitative health assessments.
  • Expanding Training and Capacity Building – Providing transdisciplinary, team-based science training for researchers across disciplines.
  • Strengthening Community Partnerships – Supporting community organizations in advocating for climate and health solutions that directly address the needs of urban populations.

Our Approach

The Administrative Core serves as the central hub of CECHE, ensuring the center’s sustainability and impact through:

  • Leadership & Coordination – Managing administrative infrastructure, fiscal oversight, and resource optimization to advance CECHE’s mission.
  • Research & Collaboration Support – Catalyzing climate and health research across UIC and the Chicago area by facilitating community-driven studies, translating research into nature-based solutions, and promoting environmental health equity.
  • Capacity Building – Hosting symposia, workshops, annual retreats, and seminars. Supporting a pilot award program and mini-grant program to advance interdisciplinary research and strengthen community engagement.
  • Career Development – Providing mentorship, grant-writing workshops, and training opportunities to foster the next generation of climate and health researchers across fields including climate science, engineering, urban planning, medicine, and public health.
  • Evaluation & Data Integration – Monitoring and assessing center activities to ensure measurable impact, tracking key metrics such as research collaborations, funding success, publications, career development, and community engagement.
  • Advisory Board Coordination – Establishing and managing internal and external advisory boards to provide strategic guidance, ensure research aligns with community needs, and support interdisciplinary collaboration.

By fostering collaboration and innovation, the Administrative Core is committed to making CECHE a leader in urban climate and health equity research.