Last year, the Center for Social & Behavioral Science (CSBS) launched the Social and Behavioral Science Impact Award to recognize faculty whose research advances social and behavioral science while tackling critical societal challenges. The award is open to all tenure-system faculty on the Illinois campus conducting social and behavioral science research. This year, we are proud to recognize three exceptional scholars:
Dr. Catherine Corr, Associate Professor | Special Education, College of Education
Dr. Corr’s research focuses on supporting very young children with disabilities who experience trauma, abuse, neglect, and poverty. Over the last decade, she has built a sustained line of inquiry that bridges research, practice, and policy, directly shaping services for children and families facing adversity. The award recognizes Dr. Corr’s pioneering mixed-methods approach, her work challenging long-standing assumptions about trauma, and her impact on both legislation and practitioner tools.
Dr. Catharine Fairbairn, Associate Professor | Psychology, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences
Dr. Fairbairn’s research examines the social and emotional mechanisms underlying alcohol use while advancing novel methodological approaches in addiction science. Her recent work focuses on developing social-network-based alcohol treatment programs that integrate biosensor enhanced recovery support. The award recognizes Dr. Fairbairn’s methodological innovation and rigor, as well as her commitment to both foundational mechanisms and practical, scalable interventions.
Dr. Chung-Yi Chiu, Associate Professor | Health & Kinesiology, College of Applied Health Sciences
Dr. Chiu’s research is concerned with how people with disabilities and chronic illness can lead healthy, meaningful, and productive lives. She employs a diverse set of methodological approaches, leveraging new technologies for both data analysis and intervention. Her work demonstrates the importance of patient-centered healthcare design and systematic care coordination. The award recognizes Dr. Chiu’s methodological sophistication and her work reshaping health promotion for individuals with disabilities.