1. What is the EMERGE Innova+ions Lab?

The EMERGE Innovations Lab is a research and design hub focused on developing equity-centered digital tools and interventions that promote mental health, prevent violence, and foster healing among youth and families—especially those impacted by structural racism, trauma, and systemic neglect. We bridge science, technology, and lived experience to create solutions that matter.

2. What does “EMERGE” stand for?

EMERGE is an acronym for: EMpowering Youth through Equity-Driven Research, Ground-Up Innovation & Engaged Communities.  We support work that is grounded in evidence, co-created with communities, and bold in its vision for youth futures.

3. Who leads the Lab?

The Lab is led by Dr. Chuka Emezue, an Assistant Professor and nurse scientist whose work centers on youth/family violence prevention, digital mental health, fatherhood, and Black family well-being. He collaborates with an interdisciplinary team of youth advisors, clinicians, researchers, technologists, and community partners.

4. What kind of projects are developed at EMERGE?

We design, test, and evaluate trauma-informed tools and programs including:

• BrotherlyACT: A digital healing and violence prevention app for young Black males

• FatherlyACT: A family-based domestic violence intervention for fathers and their children

• SafeRoots: A tech-enabled program addressing co-occurring violence and substance use

• TAMI Program: A youth internship training students in digital mental health research

• Experimental interventions involving the gut-brain axis, VR storytelling, and AI-driven tools

5. Who do you serve?

Our work centers young people aged 10–25, particularly Black youth, boys, and men of color, and families navigating community violence, discrimination, and intergenerational trauma. We work closely with schools, clinics, community groups, and justice-adjacent systems.

6. What makes our Lab different?

Translational: Turning research into real-world impact
Trauma-informed: Prioritizing safety, dignity, and healing
Community-rooted: Co-designing with those most impacted
Technologically bold: Using tools youth already engage with—apps, games, social media, wearable data
Rigorously evaluated: Anchored in science, theory, and equity

7. Is the Lab open to collaboration?

Yes. We welcome partnerships across sectors, including community-based organizations, schools, researchers, developers, funders, and youth leaders. If you are committed to justice-centered innovation, we would love to connect.

8. How do I get involved?

• Youth & Parents: Join our pilot studies, attend info sessions, or apply for internships
  Researchers & Practitioners: Collaborate on studies, grant proposals, or curriculum design
  Funders & Philanthropies: Support our growing pipeline of scalable innovations
  Students: Apply to work with us as a research assistant, intern, or mentee
  
  

9. Where is the EMERGE Innova+ions Lab based?

We are housed within the Rush University College of Nursing in Chicago, with community-based research sites across the city and partnerships that extend nationally.

10. What is next for EMERGE?

We are expanding our research portfolio into:

• Precision-prevention approaches using biosocial data
  Cross-national violence prevention research
  Digital therapeutics commercialization
  Creative tools like youth-designed comic books, emotion cards, and animated video guides.

We are constantly evolving—because our youth deserve nothing less.