The STE Lab conducts research in several policy areas including science policy, environment, R&D evaluation, eGovernment, and transportation. Although funding sources vary, most projects are supported by through federal grants from such agencies as the National Science Foundation, the US Department of Agriculture, and the National Institutes of Health. Brief descriptions of project areas are presented below. To learn more, please visit the individual project pages.
The STE Lab is currently conducting research on three NSF funded studies. Two of the studies examine the role that social and professional networks play in the career success and satisfaction of women and under-represented minorities in academic science and engineering. Additionally, the STE Lab is investigating the factors that contribute to decisions by academic scientists and engineers to disclose or patent inventions. Faculty involved in these projects include Eric Welch, Meg Haller, Julia Melkers and Mary Feeney. More information here.
The STE Lab conducts ongoing environmental policy research in several key areas including the global trade and exchange of genetic resources, adoption and use of alternative fuel vehicles and voluntary environmental behavior of public and private organizations. Although funding sources vary, the most recent project on genetic resources is funded by the National Institutes of Food and Agrigulture (NIFA) at the US Department of Agriculture, and the National Institutes of Health. Faculty involved in these projects include Vern Long, Meg Haller, Elizabeth Corley, Akira Hibiki and Eric Welch. More information here.
The STE Lab conducts evaluation of R&D programs and projects funded primarily by NSF and NIH. Researchers associated with the lab are currently evaluating several NSF EPSCoR programs including those including programs in Alaska, Kansas, and Maine. Researchers also evaluate NSF IGERT and ERC programs as well as NIH INBRE and CCTS programs. Lab faculty and associated faculty involved in the evaluations include Eric Welch, Julia Melkers, Elizabeth Corley, Meg Haller and Mary Feeney. More information here.
The eGovernment research projects undertaken by the STE Lab are directed by several faculty members including Karen Mossberger, Eric Welch, Mary Feeney and Meg Haller. Our work in this area centers around the use of technology for managment, service delivery and civic engagement. Some studies have examined adoption and effects of adoption of new information and communication technologies on the management processes and outcomes of public organizations, while others have investigated the effect of new technology deployment by government on citizens. The research questions addressed concern many of the traditional themes of public administration and governance including equity, efficiency and effectivenes. More information here.
Faculty and students working in the STE Lab have research interests in transportation policy and management. All transportation projects are conducted in collaboration with the Urban Transportation Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Our primary partner within UTC is Dr. P. S. Sriraj and our funder includes the Chicago Transit Authority. More information here.