Jill Waity

Jill Waity, professor of sociology and chair of the UNCW Department of Sociology and Criminology, has been selected as one of four 2024-2025 RTI University Scholars.

"This is the first time a UNCW faculty member has been selected as part of the yearly cohort since the program started in 2014," according to a University of North Carolina Wilmington news release. "In it, researchers from RTI, a large nonprofit institute, partner with senior academics to develop joint research opportunities."

The program “is designed to drive growth, foster collaboration, build scientific stature, and develop opportunities for externally funded joint projects” aimed at improving the human condition, according to a statement from the nonprofit. This year’s focus was on projects related to climate change, energy, data science, global health security and nutrition, among other issues.

According to the release, Waity’s independent project was researching disaster-related food security. 

“I think there’s just so many great opportunities to expand all of my research, even in other areas around food,” she stated in the release. “I do a lot of community engaged work too, and a lot of people at RTI have expertise in community engagement. There are really great opportunities to expand my network and make these new connections.”

Alongside her RTI partners, Waity will be working with community organizations in rural areas on disaster preparedness and related communication strategies, the release stated.

Waity said the program will be a chance to grow grant opportunities, include UNCW students in the research process and facilitate future cooperation and partnerships with the university.