DSU Ph.D. students reach final round of Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Compassion Challenge
Two Delaware State University graduate students recently advanced to the final round of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Compassion Challenge, a competition focused on developing community-centered solutions to prevent displacement in historically under-resourced communities.
The competition, held April 24 and 25, brought together nearly 80 teams from historically Black colleges and universities across the country. Participants were challenged to create investment-ready proposals that support the development of green spaces while protecting long-standing residents from displacement.
Delaware State University students Onyekachi Williams and Olaniyi A. Adewumi advanced through multiple rounds to become one of six finalist teams invited to present their work in person in Durham, North Carolina. For the final phase, teams developed a redevelopment strategy for the historic Hayti community.
Although the team did not take first place, one developer expressed interest in their proposal and is scheduled to meet with the students to discuss potential implementation. That opportunity was only guaranteed to the winning team.
Dr. Cynthia Newton, Director of Partnerships & Programs in the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, served as a mentor for the competition.
“It was an incredible experience to be part of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Compassion Challenge,” said Williams, a Ph.D. student in Applied Mathematics. “For me, this project was about using research and financial modeling to address a real issue: gentrification and displacement in historically Black communities. Working on solutions like the Recirculating Appreciation and Stability Instrument gave us a way to think beyond theory and focus on impact.”
Williams, who is originally from Nigeria, conducts research in machine learning and data science applications related to real-world challenges, including space missions. He is advised by Dr. Yuriy Markushin and Dr. Gulnihal Ozbay.
Adewumi, a Ph.D. student in Integrative Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, said the experience provided an opportunity to explore approaches to addressing displacement.
“Participating in the compassion challenge organized by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation was a great opportunity to learn about real life situations regarding community displacement and to develop a means of preventing such,” Adewumi said. “My team developed a novel financial product that ensures that legacy residents are protected from displacement, empowered to build wealth, while also ensuring that investors get reasonable returns on their investments.”
Adewumi, also originally from Nigeria, specializes in soil health assessment and management. His academic background includes degrees in agriculture and plant science, and he has held several leadership and service roles, including involvement in student government, volunteer safety initiatives and campus organizations.