SBSI and IGPA announce second PEPP fellowship cohort to advance evidence-based state policy

The Social & Behavioral Science Institute (SBSI) and the Institute for Government and Public Affairs (IGPA) have announced four new Partnerships for Evidence-based Public Policy (PEPP) faculty fellowship projects. The program connects mid-career faculty from across the University of Illinois System with partners in Illinois government to conduct year-long, policy-focused research that informs public decision-making.

Beginning in August 2026, the second PEPP cohort will undertake projects focused on prenatal and postpartum care, violence prevention, LGBTQ+ mental health, and rural broadband policy. Fellows will participate in monthly meetings and professional development programming led by SBSI and IGPA to strengthen the connection between research and policymaking. Each fellow will receive a stipend to support research that advances evidence-based public policy in Illinois.

“PEPP is built on genuine partnership. Over a full year, fellows and state agencies work together to shape questions and produce evidence agencies can use. This year’s projects, from maternal health to broadband access, reflect a shared commitment to serving Illinois—while helping our faculty build policy-relevant research programs that can benefit the state well beyond the fellowship year.” – Eva Pomerantz, SBSI Director.

One of this year’s fellows, Wendy Bostwick of the University of Illinois Chicago, will hold the Kellner Fellowship, supported by the Kellner Center for Neurogenomics, Behavior, and Society. Her research explores social policies that affect the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ Illinois residents. Established by Bill and Julie Kellner, the Center advances mental health through interdisciplinary research spanning neuroscience, genomics, and the social and behavioral sciences.

2026-2027 PEPP Fellows and Projects

• Wendy Bostwick, Kellner Fellow and associate professor of population health nursing science at UIC, will assess statewide mental health provider training needs and the feasibility of an LGBTQ+-specific credential to inform Illinois Department of Human Services policies aimed at expanding culturally responsive care for LGBTQ+ communities.
• Rebecca Campbell, assistant professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at UIC, will partner with the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Office of Women’s Health & Family Services to identify gaps in emergency department care for pregnant and postpartum patients with mental health and substance use disorders. The project will inform hospital policy updates and recommendations to improve care and help reduce maternal mortality in Illinois.
• Rachel Garthe, associate professor of social work at Illinois, will partner with the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority to evaluate the impact of statewide violence prevention funding. The project will examine how funding has been distributed, assess its effects on youth violence and public safety, and provide evidence to guide future investments in effective violence prevention strategies.
• Colin Rhinesmith, associate professor of information sciences at Illinois, will evaluate the impact of Illinois’ broadband investments, particularly in rural communities. In partnership with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Office of Broadband, the project will assess how expanded internet access has improved education, healthcare, and economic opportunity to help guide future broadband policy and investment decisions.