Event Highlights
A gathering of community leaders, researchers, and residents at the ExCITe Center.
Dr. Amy Carroll-Scott presents on community ethics in research.
On April 3, 2025, the Promise Zone Research Connection (PZRC) hosted its inaugural West Philly Research Day at the ExCITe Center in West Philadelphia. This event marked a critical moment for fostering trust and collaboration between research institutions and community members in West Philadelphia. With a focus on addressing ethical shortcomings in community-placed research, the event brought together local leaders, researchers, and residents to discuss ways to ensure research practices benefit the community.
Caleila Burrell, Project Coordinator of PZRC, welcomed participants and set the stage for the day’s discussions. Allison Rusgo, a key supporter of PZRC and advocate for community-engaged research, highlighted the organization’s accomplishments, including the establishment of the Community Research Review Board.
Dr. Amy Carroll-Scott, Chair of Community Health & Prevention at Drexel University, spoke on the importance of integrating community ethics into research practices. She emphasized that ethical research not only requires community involvement but also addresses historical mistrust.
Titled ‘Research in West Philadelphia: Perspectives from the Community and Research Partners,’ the panel featured community members and researchers who discussed building meaningful partnerships to ensure research serves local interests. Panelists included Rita Nelson, Christina Brown, Hyden Terrell, and Hilena Addis.
The session included audience Q&A, where community members voiced the need for transparency from research institutions and highlighted the importance of co-creation.
The event concluded with networking sessions where participants discussed future projects and exchanged contact information to foster ongoing collaborations.
WPRD Compendium
The full program for the day — speakers, panelists, research presented, and the community partners who made it possible — in one downloadable document.
Special thanks to our sponsors: The Barra Foundation, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions, and Drexel University’s Office of University and Community Partnerships.
Community Research Review Board (CRRB)
Submit your proposal to the West Philadelphia CRRB and collaborate with residents to make your research more relevant, ethical, impactful, and effective.
