The University of Miami Ethics Programs have awarded eight grants for the 2010-11 Arsht Research on Ethics and Community program.

The Arsht grants, now in their fourth year of funding, are made possible by the generosity of UM trustee and philanthropist Adrienne Arsht, whose gift of $3 million is the largest gift for ethics in Florida.

“Adrienne Arsht’s passion for ethics and her investment in relevant research is generating significant returns for UM faculty, students, and the wider community,” said Professor Anita Cava.

“The breadth, depth, and diversity of these projects are daily reminders of the creativity and commitment of our students and faculty,” added Professor Kenneth Goodman.

Cava and Goodman founded the UM Ethics Programs 19 years ago, and serve as co-directors. Cava directs the Business Ethics Program, while Goodman heads the Bioethics Program.

Arsht grants are awarded to teams of faculty and student collaborators from UM’s Coral Gables, Miller School of Medicine, and Rosenstiel School campuses to conduct research projects that address contemporary moral issues with implications for public policy, professional practice, or human rights. Grant funds are used for faculty release time, summer support or course buyouts, student compensation, equipment, software, books and other resources, limited travel, and other appropriate project-related costs.

The 2010-11 Arsht Research on Ethics and Community awardees and projects are as follows:

The Eco-Islam Project: Utilizing Islamic Environmental-Health Ethics to Positively Affect Contemporary Environmental Health Choices
College of Engineering, Miller School of Medicine, and Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science
Faculty: Amir Abdelzaher, Lora E. Fleming, Stephen Sapp, and Helena Solo-Gabriele
Students: Bader Al-Issa and Noha Abdel-Mottaleb

Neural Underpinnings of Altruism Regulation
Miller School of Medicine
Faculty: Ricardo Cáceda and Jung-Jiin (Jason) Hsu
Student: Stefania Prendes

Civil Rights in Miami, 1960s-1970s
College of Arts and Sciences
Faculty: Nancy T. Clasby
Students: 29 undergraduates

The Philosophy and Psychology of Eudaimonia and Virtue Conference
College of Arts and Sciences and School of Education
Faculty: Brad Cokelet and Blaine Fowers
Students: Laura Cohen and Philipp Schwind

The “SPEC Check” II: Ethical-Reflective Community Practice in Human Service Funding
School of Education
Faculty: Scotney D. Evans
Student: Nicholas Mescia

Recommendations for Removal: Does Bias Exist Amongst Child Protection Professionals?
Miller School of Medicine
Faculty: Susan Dandes, Jason Jent, Walter Lambert, Neena Malik, and Melissa Merrick
Students: Nicole Cano, Cyd Eaton, and Greg Simpson

Do Women Directors Encourage Caring Organizations? Moving Beyond Environmental Sustainability to Human Sustainability
School of Business Administration
Faculty: Marianna Makri
Student: Alexis Wiseley

Do Humans Have an Instinct to Punish Third Parties?
College of Arts and Sciences
Faculty: Michael McCullough
Students: Eric Pedersen and Jaclyn Schroder

The program’s 2011-12 call for proposals will be released in the spring. For more information on the Arsht Research on Ethics and Community grants, call 305-243-5723 or e-mail [email protected].