CCU Student Chenyu Lin Awarded Hatfield Prize from the Center for Public Justice
CCU undergraduate Chenyu (Emily) Lin '23 is one of three college students from across the nation who has been awarded the Hatfield Prize from the Center for Public Justice (CPJ). CPJ is an independent, nonpartisan organization devoted to policy research and civic education based on Christian principles needed in a pluralistic society. The Hatfield Prize, part of CPJ's Shared Justice initiative, awards funding to three student-faculty pairs from Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) institutions to conduct research on a social policy that impacts the well-being of children, families, and communities.
Lin, a sophomore nursing major, will research the ways in which COVID-19 has exacerbated child health disparities in Denver. Lin will be advised by Colorado Christian University Assistant Professor of Biology Julie Woodman, Ph.D.
"The healthcare crisis in America, particularly its impact on children, is essential to research and address because it creates barriers to human flourishing, which we desire all children and families to experience," said Lin. "Through my research, I hope to inspire community members, policymakers, leaders, and faith communities to take action to address children's health disparities."
"Prior to the pandemic, there were weaknesses in the healthcare system that directly impacted millions of children," said Woodman. "The events of 2020 exposed those weaknesses and exacerbated their ill effects. My hope is that this work will highlight new avenues to improve the healthcare system to better support those that it serves."
"COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on under-resourced communities of color, and includes widening disparities in children's health," said Shared Justice program director and editor Katie Thompson. "Chenyu's research will illuminate this on a local level, highlighting the need for sound public policy and the important role of civil society institutions in addressing disparities in children's health outcomes — both during the pandemic and post-pandemic to ensure that all children have the opportunity to thrive."
Hatfield Prize recipients will spend January to June conducting research and writing, and the reports will be available in September 2021. The Hatfield Prize is made possible through the generous support of the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust and the Annie E. Casey Foundation. To learn more about the Hatfield Prize, visit www.sharedjustice.org/hatfieldprize2021.
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