In the wake of Veteran’s Day, I’d like to reflect on UNC-Chapel Hill’s commitment to advancing research that improves the lives of our veterans and active-duty service members. Carolina is the flagship public university in a state dedicated to public service. North Carolina has one of the largest military footprints of any state in the country, representing three out of the four branches of service. The state is also home to the Army Research Office, the Army’s facilitator of basic science funding at research institutions across the country.
The University’s proximity to this level of military activity, and our commitment to service, creates a productive environment for our researchers to support the military. From groundbreaking scientific discoveries to innovative technological advancements, our work is making a tangible difference in the lives of those who serve.
Helping Veterans Thrive
Carolina’s dedication to military service extends to practical clinical care. The University offers a wide range of programs and resources to support veterans and their families. One such initiative is the THRIVE program in the Matthew Gfeller Center, which provides comprehensive care to veterans and first responders suffering from traumatic brain injuries and related health conditions. By offering a multi-phase approach that includes evaluation, treatment, and follow-up care, THRIVE empowers these individuals to overcome challenges and lead fulfilling lives.
THRIVE, which stands for Transforming Health and Resilience in Veterans, is spearheaded by Jason Mihalik, a professor of exercise and sport science and director of the Gfeller Center. He has deep expertise in treating chronic traumatic brain injuries in veterans, concussion care on the front lines, and cultivating the University’s partnerships with active-duty service member populations.
Engineering Solutions for Military Applications
Wei You, professor of chemistry and applied physical sciences, is the principal investigator on Carolina’s most recent Department of Defense (DoD) Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative award. This groundbreaking research aims to improve the performance and efficiency of electronic devices, such as smartphone screens and wearable technology. By combining chemistry, physics, and engineering, the researchers will explore new ways to manipulate these materials at the molecular level. This innovative approach could pave the way for a new generation of electronics with improved power efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability.
Also in the Department of Applied Physical Sciences, Chair Theo Dingemans designs innovative, lightweight materials that can perform both structural and functional tasks effectively and efficiently. These new high-performance polymer chemistries have enormous potential for military applications. The materials have applications in aerospace, energy generation, energy storage, water purification, and gas separation.
Several Carolina researchers from the Institute of Marine Sciences, have conducted studies on the environmental impact of military activities in the region, including those at Camp Lejeune. These studies often focus on the impact of military activities on coastal ecosystems, water quality, and marine life. Researchers analyze water samples, sediment cores, and biological specimens to assess the extent of contamination and its effects on the environment.
Carolina computer scientist Mohit Bansal has received numerous awards and recognition from the DoD for his research in life-long learning based artificial intelligence. His lab focuses on natural language processing, multimodal and grounded machine learning, and deep learning-based data analytics. This research could lead to major advances in machines that can make decisions on their own and work together with humans, even in difficult conditions, like on battlefields.
Novel Research for Service Member Health
Our faculty are at the forefront of research that directly impacts the health and well-being of military personnel. Ross Boyce, a distinguished faculty member and U.S. Army veteran, was recently profiled in The Well. His research focuses on vector-borne infectious diseases, particularly those transmitted by ticks and mosquitoes. His work has significant implications for military personnel who may be exposed to these diseases during deployments. By understanding the transmission and prevention of these diseases, his research contributes to the health and safety of our troops.
Maj. Kenneth Harris III, current service member and graduate student in the School of Social Work, is also working to improve health outcomes for service members. His recent study, published in Military Psychology, found that junior enlisted members are more resilient than junior officers, who often struggle to balance personal and professional demands. The research also highlights the importance of informal social support networks in promoting mental health.
Another example of impactful research is the work of Kurt Ribisl, chair and Jo Anne Earp Distinguished Professor in the Department of Health Behavior at the Gillings School of Global Public Health, who is a renowned expert in tobacco control. He is conducting work that is important for military readiness by investigating tobacco use among military personnel. Their work has shed light on the prevalence of smoking and vaping in the military and has informed evidence-based interventions to reduce tobacco-related illnesses and deaths and support troops for basic training.
Deborah Tate, interim director of the UNC Nutrition Research Institute and Department of Nutrition professor, is leading a five-year study to mitigate weight gain by U.S. Air Force personnel, another vital component for military readiness. Despite weight and fitness requirements, the prevalence of overweight and obesity in the U.S. military approaches that in the general population. The study supplies its young, active-duty military participants with a Fitbit tracker and equips them with weight gain prevention intervention strategies for over two years. The research will provide an underserved population in critical need of weight gain prevention with broad, remote delivery suitable for all young adults in the military.
The UNC School of Medicine recently received a $5 million grant from the DoD to test the effectiveness of iCOVER, a peer-based intervention designed to help service members overcome acute stress reactions (ASRs) and continue performing their duties. This clinical trial will recruit individuals experiencing ASRs in emergency departments of major trauma centers across the nation. The research team, led by Sam McLean, professor of psychiatry and emergency medicine, aims to determine if iCOVER can effectively reduce emotional distress and restore performance in individuals experiencing ASRs, both in military and civilian settings.
Serving Beyond the Bench
Beyond research and clinical care, Carolina offers academic programs and support services for military-connected students. These include advising, mental health services, career counseling, and a thriving Army ROTC program. The UNC System Office is also committed to ensuring that institutions across the state offer supportive military policies; flexible online degree programs; strong external partnerships with national and statewide stakeholders; and academic credit for military training. By providing these resources, the University and the UNC System help veterans and their families achieve their educational and career goals.
Carolina’s commitment to our military is a testament to its values of service, innovation, and compassion. Through groundbreaking research, comprehensive care, and supportive programs, we continue to make a significant impact on the lives of those who have served our nation.