Seven projects have been selected to receive funding through the 10th annual Explorer Challenge, an initiative of the Office of Research and Innovation that supports innovative ideas with the potential for real-world impact.
The funded projects were chosen following a pitch competition held in April 2026, during which more than 15 teams presented their ideas. Members of the Innovation Council served as judges, recommending projects for funding, with final approval provided by Jeanne Hossenlopp, vice president for research and innovation. Awards range from $5,000 to $25,000.
The following projects received funding through this year’s Explorer Challenge:
Urban Educators Pipeline & Partners
Award recipients: Dr. Julissa Ventura and Dr. Melissa Gibson
The Urban Educators Pipeline and Partners is a collaboration between Marquette and Milwaukee Public Schools designed to prepare and support future educators in Milwaukee’s hardest-to-staff schools. Through a cohort-based teacher preparation model, financial and professional support, and partnerships that strengthen teaching and learning, participants gain specialized training and guaranteed employment opportunities with MPS. In its pilot year, the program will place five Marquette-trained teachers in high-need schools.
IPE Board Game
Award recipient: Jaimee Hills
The IPE Board Game is an interactive learning experience within Marquette’s Core4 Foundations Series in Interprofessional Education that brings together students from health professions programs to explore patient care, professional roles and the social determinants of health. Through collaborative case-based scenarios, participants gain a deeper understanding of how their profession fits within the broader health care landscape and develop skills for effective teamwork and interprofessional practice.
Discerning AI: An Interdisciplinary, Cross-Campus, Community of Practice
Award recipient: Dr. Michael Zimmer, Dr. Melissa Shew, Dr. Gerry Canavan, Dr. Larry Xu, Dr. Gabe Valez and Maxwell Gray
Discerning AI is Marquette’s interdisciplinary Community of Practice bringing together faculty, staff, students and community partners to explore how ethical discernment can guide the teaching, use, governance and societal impacts of artificial intelligence. Participants are invited to collaborate to develop practical resources and cultivate thoughtful, mission-driven approaches to AI.
24/7 Marquette Professor
Award recipients: Dr. SuJean Choi, Dr. Alex Savtchouk, Justin Womack and Dr. David Baker
The 24/7 Marquette Professor project is an AI-powered course assistant designed to provide supplemental curriculum support to students. It is trained directly on Marquette course materials, including past lecture recordings, presentation slides and syllabi. This tool will answer students; questions outside of office hours or the classroom. Additionally, Marquette faculty will receive anonymous feedback as to which course areas require additional attention or improvement.
Conflict Education and Resolution Initiative (CERI)
Award recipients: Zabrian Oglesby and Cameron Muir
Conflict is a part of every community. Learning how to navigate it with care is what makes us stronger. Through the Conflict Education and Resolution Initiative, the Office of Student Development is creating restorative, student-centered resources that help Marquette students approach conflict with accountability, empathy and growth. As this initiative develops, students will have opportunities to share their experiences, shape future resources, and help build a healthier culture of conflict at Marquette.
Second Language Acquisition to Delay Cognitive Decline for Older Adults
Award recipients: Dr. Giordana Kaftan-Paggioli and Dr. Kristy Nielson
A substantial body of research shows that bilingualism and second-language acquisition can delay the onset of cognitive decline by up to eight years. Thus, this interdisciplinary project integrates Second Language Acquisition (SLA) and Neuropsychology to develop and validate a language-learning program specifically designed for older adults, with the explicit goal of protecting cognition, sustaining independent living and potentially yielding substantial savings. Moreover, by uniting scholarship and service, Marquette Psychology and LLAC have the potential to transform language learning into a vehicle for cognitive empowerment and compassionate action, one that can be replicated and offered in retirement communities in Milwaukee and beyond.
Kleczka Local Public Service Pilot
Award recipients: Sam Harshner and Dr. Paul Nolette
At a time when local governments are dealing with stagnating state aid and staffing declines, there is a need for a talent pipeline. The Les Aspin Center, in partnership with the Marquette Department of Political Science, is developing a student-led public sector consulting program that would allow our students to engage in meaningful policy work that directly addresses the needs of state and local government agencies.
