The Catalyst Lab will bring together students, faculty, alumni, and community partners to develop solutions addressing complex public health challenges, with a focus on advocacy, implementation, and real-world impact.

Led by Tyler Bartholomew, Ph.D., associate professor of prevention science and community health, the initiative builds on a model that integrates research with policy and community engagement.

“We can’t rely on science to speak for itself; it’s something we have to give a face and a voice to,” Dr. Bartholomew said, citing Research!America President and CEO Mary Woolley.

A Model for Translating Research into Action

The Catalyst Lab is designed to move beyond traditional academic structures by supporting applied projects that connect research with practice. Its work will focus on translating evidence into policy, strengthening community partnerships, and preparing students to engage in public health advocacy.

Dr. Bartholomew said the initiative reflects a broader goal of aligning academic public health with community needs and policy impact.

“Research evidence is most powerful when it is co-created with communities and translated into policies that promote equity, dignity, and health,” he said.

The lab builds on prior work through the IDEA Lab, where students collaborated with community partners on initiatives such as Florida’s first syringe services program and policy efforts to expand access to care.

Core Areas of Focus

Work within the Catalyst Lab will be organized across four areas:

• Advocacy and policy, including public health campaigns and policy engagement
• Innovation and solutions development, focused on applied interventions and tools
• Engagement and storytelling, elevating community perspectives through media and events
• Training and leadership, supporting student development in advocacy and communication

These areas are designed to create opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and applied learning across the University.

Building Partnerships and Training Future Leaders

The Catalyst Lab will operate through a collaborative structure that includes an advisory group of community partners, students, alumni, and cross-campus representatives.

Dr. Bartholomew emphasized that the initiative will expand opportunities for students to engage directly with policy and advocacy, including planned efforts to connect students with legislative processes and develop tools to track public health policy at the state and local level.

Training will also include workshops on communication, media engagement, and public health advocacy, developed in collaboration with partners across the University.

Pilot Launch and Future Direction

The Catalyst Lab will launch as a pilot, supporting an initial set of student- and community-driven projects while refining its model for long-term growth.

The initiative is expected to expand interdisciplinary collaboration, increase opportunities for applied training, and strengthen the integration of research, policy, and practice.

Dr. Bartholomew said the goal is to create a sustained platform for action that prepares students to contribute to public health systems and community-driven change.

Written by Deycha Torres Hernández, published March 20, 2026.