Gulf Research Program

We’re proud to announce Louisiana Public Health Institute (LPHI) as one of the Gulf Futures Challenge winners!

LPHI is a nonprofit organization focused on improving health outcomes through public health research, systems change, and community partnerships across the .

Across the , disasters are increasingly disrupting access to health care, especially for Community Health Centers that serve as critical lifelines for millions of residents. Through its Gulf Hub initiative, LPHI will transform these centers into Learning Resilience Hubs, energy-independent, climate-adaptive facilities designed to remain operational before, during, and after disasters, helping ensure continued access to care and strengthening long-term community resilience.

Learn more about the project: https://ow.ly/nApW50YOC71

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Dr. Maria Wallace, a 2023 Early Career Research Fellow and a valued member of the GRP community.

Maria was an extraordinary scholar, educator, and collaborator whose work in informal STEM education reflected both intellectual rigor and deep care for others. During her time as an ECRF fellow, she contributed meaningfully to the GRP community, supporting Education grant reviews and collaborating on the 2025 GSP Conference. She was also a generous peer and mentor, building connections across disciplines and institutions.

Her home institution, The University of Southern Mississippi's Center for STEM Education, shared a beautiful tribute to Maria, highlighting her impact as a researcher, educator, and mentor and described her as someone who “tirelessly reached across disciplines and institutions to expand our understanding of teaching and learning,” while maintaining close and meaningful relationships with her students. You can read their tribute here: https://ow.ly/uhLa50YJWo2

We extend our deepest condolences to her partner, Davin, also a member of the ECRF community, their daughter, family and all who knew and loved her.