Student Public Policy Research Advises State on Food Insecurity

Newswise — Institutions often lead a variety of activities to achieve their lofty goals. However, understanding the scope and scale of their contributions to the community is important for ascertaining progress. That is where the Indiana University Public Policy Institute steps in, to provide insights and inform decision-makers, as well as paid opportunities for IU Indianapolis graduate students to work as research assistants.

Housed in the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IU Indianapolis, the institute conducts data-driven applied research, analysis and guidance that is objective, insightful and nonpartisan. IU experts at the institute help nonprofit, public and private institutions understand their impact on Indiana communities. Some of the researchers’ most recent work includes an Indiana traffic and safety analysis and a report on the economic impact of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

From 2022 to 2024, student research assistants authored their own briefs based on recent proposals in the Indiana General Assembly. They shared insights on how to tackle homelessness, address food insecurity and identify the barriers to student success for LGBTQ+ youth. The student-authored briefs centered on the institute’s Decision 2024: Your Voices, Your Future, which publishes reports from institute experts about pressing issues facing the state and organizes a forum for gubernatorial candidates to share their policy positions issues.

“Regardless of whether students decide to pursue research after graduation, writing their own briefs provides them with a sense of ownership over their own work and also strengthens their confidence as a professional.”

Cecilia Gomez was one of six student authors. Hailing from Northwest Indiana, she opted to attend IU Indianapolis to get a fresh start in a new city after high school. Her strong desire to understand and help others drove her to study anthropology as a undergraduate and social work in graduate school.

She discovered the opportunity to be a research assistant through the student job board, specifically through its Center for Research on Inclusion and Social Policy. The chance to examine the intersection of social policy and equity was exactly what Gomez was looking for.

“Social workers are the facilitators of care, whereas advocates advance policies that drive how people are cared for,” she said. “It was important for me to approach care from both angles.”

Gomez worked closely with Hannah Mullin, a fellow Master of Social Work student, to prepare the “Homelessness in Indiana” report. In 2023, the state saw a 10% increase in homelessness from the previous year, with a significant overrepresentation of Black individuals.

The students’ recommendations for future legislation include expanding the Children’s Health Insurance Program’s community plan for homelessness prevention efforts to include the chronically homeless and homeless youth; creating housing opportunities; decriminalizing homelessness; addressing racial disparities in the housing market; and bolstering programming for unhoused youth.

“During my time at the Center for Research on Inclusion and Social Policy, I came to understand just how impactful community-level interventions can be, and how making a real, true difference starts at home.”

The students also assisted with reports about food insecurity and barriers to student success for LGBTQ+ Hoosiers.

In 2022, approximately 950,000 Hoosiers experienced food insecurity, with children, the elderly and individuals with disabilities being particularly vulnerable. This can lead to malnutrition, mental health issues and chronic disease, all of which have economic consequences. The students recommended that future legislation should improve access to food assistance programs, promote local food systems and increase food availability.

Regarding LGBTQ+ students, the report noted that over 70% experience discrimination in school, which impacts these students’ mental and physical health. Recommendations for future legislation include allowing LGBTQ+ youth access to resources and groups while fostering inclusive classroom environments.

The graduate research assistants were advised by IU experts who also published reports ahead of the 2024 gubernatorial election that focused on housing, child care, workforce development, the innovation economy, health care, public trust and community resiliency.

“Kristi Schultz was my mentor and field instructor throughout my time working at the Public Policy Institute,” Mullin said. “She was instrumental in my growth as both a research assistant and student, given her background in social work. Kristi is hardworking and kind and was an all-around fantastic mentor to have.”

Both Gomez and Mullin completed their master’s programs before the reports were published in fall 2024 and now work for their alma mater. Mullin is a clinical research specialist in the Department of Psychology at the School of Science, and Gomez is the Latinx student service specialist at the Multicultural Center on the Indianapolis campus. They credit their time at the institute for developing the skills and relationships necessary to be successful in program evaluation and policy analysis while maintaining a focus on research rooted in community.

“When someone reads the student briefs, they’ll see a reflection of the deep commitment that research should have in community,” Gomez said.

“Working at the institute was a unique opportunity to get to know the city of Indianapolis, and the state. The experience helped me grow as a practitioner and a researcher.”

Through the integration of student research assistants in meaningful policy analysis, the Indiana University Public Policy Institute not only contributes to solving critical issues in the state, but also develops the next generation of public policy professionals who will serve the community. Dedicated to focused solutions. Every institute should investigate such initiatives, fostering the next generation not only educationally but also nurturing them for the community.

(VOA/MF)