Research

Research is an important part of the Hope College experience, and many of the faculty have projects investigating character or character-related themes.

Many other faculty members seek to build character into their research students as they study different topics. Either way, character is discovered and grown in research, and the Character Hub funds research that accomplishes these outcomes at Hope College. The Character Hub also evaluates the impact of its programs and activities through campus surveys and data analysis.

Research grants are due in early January. More information about the application and the most recent call for proposals can be found at the link below.

Call for proposals for faculty research grants (due January 9)

The Hope Character Hub is excited to showcase its sponsored scholarship! These projects span all academic divisions of the College and have led to collaborations between departments and programs. They all enhance the study of character and/or the practice of character.

2026 research grants

The following research grants were awarded in 2026.

Practicing Generosity and Gratitude as Relational Virtues: An Ethnography of Ethical Teaching and Human Flourishing

Dr. Mihyun Han EducationAssistant Professor of Education
Work616.395.7740
hamm@hope.edu
VanZoeren Hall Room 288 41 Graves Place Holland, MI 49423

The Virtuous Community: An Exploration of Student Belonging at Hope College

Dr. Rodrigo Serrao Sociology and Social Work DepartmentAssistant Professor of Sociology
Work616.395.7084
serrao@hope.edu
Van Zoeren Hall Room 255B 41 Graves Place Holland, MI 49423

Dr. Elizabeth Sharda Sociology and Social Work DepartmentAssociate Professor of Social Work
Work616.395.7553
sharda@hope.edu
Van Zoeren Hall Room 255A 41 Graves Place Holland, MI 49423

Art in Character: How the Practices of the Arts Habituate and Develop Character in Artists

Lisa Walcott Art and Art History DepartmentBilly Mayer Associate Professor of Art
Work616.395.7259
walcott@hope.edu
De Pree Art Center 275 Columbia Avenue Holland, MI 49423

Dr. Pablo Peschiera English DepartmentAssociate Professor of English
Work616.395.7379
peschiera@hope.edu
Lubbers Hall-Room 308 126 East 10th Street Holland, MI 49423

2025 research grants

The following research grants were awarded in 2025.

Virtue and Character Development as Individual and Collective Pursuits in Peace and Justice Studies

Dr. Roger Baumann Sociology and Social Work Department, Peace and JusticeAssistant Professor of Sociology
Work616.395.7059
baumann@hope.edu
A. Paul Schaap Science Center Room 1106 35 East 12th Street Holland, MI 49423

Development of Character Assessment and Training Modules and an Interdisciplinary Experiential Learning Program for Nursing and Global Health Students Serving Rural Communities in Ecuador

Dr. Anita Esquerra-Zwiers Nursing DepartmentAssociate Professor of Nursing
Work616.395.7362
esquerrazwiers@hope.edu
A. Paul Schaap Science Center Room 3057 35 East 12th Street Holland, MI 49423

Dr. Brent Krueger Chemistry Department, Global Water Research InstituteProfessor of Chemistry
Work616.395.7629
kruegerb@hope.edu
A. Paul Schaap Science Center 2112A 35 East 12th Street Holland, MI 49423

Dr. Stephanie Pangborn Communication Department, Global HealthAssociate Professor of Communication
Work616.395.7593
pangborn@hope.edu
Martha Miller Center Room 122 257 Columbia Avenue Holland, MI 49423

Showing and Telling Virtue: A Commentary on the Rule of St. Benedict

Dr. Jared Ortiz Religion DepartmentLavern '39 and Betty DePree '41 Van Kley Professor of Religion, Department Chair
Work616.395.7756
jjortiz@hope.edu
Lubbers Hall Room 107 126 East 10th Street Holland, MI 49423

Compassion, Trauma, and Flourishing: Asian Americans and How the Stories They Tell Save a Nation (and the World)

Dr. Wayne Tan History Department, Asian StudiesAssociate Professor of History
Work616.395.6867
tan@hope.edu
Lubbers Hall 126 East 10th Street Holland, MI 49423

Products: The following scholarly works have been completed with funding from the Hope Character Hub. These products include books, articles, performances, lectures, etc. Check back soon because the first research grants are just getting started!
Campus Data and Assessment: The Character Hub expects that its activities will catalyze the growth of virtue and character across the Hope College campus. The Character Hub collects and analyzes data with the help of the Frost Center for Social Science Research, and it also prepares annual reports on its efforts and outcomes.