Research

At the Moritz Center, we are dedicated to advancing and funding interdisciplinary research that improves community health and wellness. Our work harnesses the expertise of our scholars to drive meaningful discoveries and innovative solutions. Additionally, we provide financial and institutional support to researchers, students, and community partners committed to developing evidence-based strategies for addressing complex societal challenges.

Our Program Areas

Explore the Moritz Center’s Key Program Areas Below
Housing

Arts &
Humanities
Behavioral
Health
Aging &
Longevity
Children &
Families
Disability

Explore Moritz Led Research

Supported by funding from St. David’s CHPR at the School of Nursing at UT-Austin, this research project seeks to identify the determinants of housing instability. Using local, administrative datasets, the study will undertake a comprehensive analysis of how health status, involvement with the criminal justice system, and neighborhood-level characteristics contribute to eviction and homelessness. 

The resulting insights will inform targeted local health promotion and homelessness prevention strategies and seek to advance well-being in communities. 

Akram Al-Turk, PhD

This interdisciplinary project will evaluate a creative music-based intervention and discussion targeted for the medical community.   Utilizing both quantitative and qualitative research methods, we aim to evaluate whether a 4-concert series “Medical Music” therapeutic intervention can impact community cohesion, burnout rates, and insights into current life/stressors.

Aaron Rochlen, PhD

As part of the Whole Communities Whole Health initiative at UT-Austin, this research explores how housing conditions and neighborhood characteristics influence both physical and mental health. While previous studies have primarily emphasized economic drivers, this work adopts a more comprehensive lens—examining how affordability, housing stability and quality, and access to neighborhood resources such as parks, libraries, and grocery stores collectively shape overall well-being. 

The findings aim to inform local policies that promote healthier and more resilient communities. 

Akram Al-Turk, PhD

This study assesses the implementation and effectiveness of a pilot diversion program designed to prevent homelessness or facilitate rapid exits from homelessness for individuals and households. Diversion strategies provide targeted support to help participants maintain or secure housing shortly after they start experiencing homelessness. 

While best practices for diversion programs have been identified, empirical evidence on their overall effectiveness remains limited. The City of Austin’s newly launched diversion initiative offers a valuable opportunity to evaluate innovative approaches, identify effective program components, examine population-specific outcomes, and assess broader community impacts. This evaluation aims to contribute to a more robust evidence base to inform future homelessness diversion strategies and policy development. 

Akram Al-Turk, PhD

The Moritz Center is collaborating with the faculty and staff at the Texas Center for Disability Studies (TCDS) to conduct research on how music engagement can benefit those with Parkinson’s Disease. Early research findings suggest that music therapy (ex. rhythmically cued walking, dancing, listening to music, etc.) can be beneficial, improving motor functioning, cognitive ability, and emotional wellbeing.  However, there is little high-quality research exploring how playing an instrument can affect those with Parkinson’s. Moritz and TCDS aim to conduct a study further examining the connection between music performance and Parkinson’s. As part of this effort, the team at the Moritz Center assists Dr. Anita Swanson in in the development and administration of this study.

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Explore Moritz Sponsored Research

Check out our current and past PSI funded projects!