Connecting the Community of Tufts Scholars (CCTS)

CCTS Ethical AI Cluster

The Ethical AI Cluster within Connecting the Community of Tufts Scholars (CCTS) brings together faculty across disciplines to explore the societal impacts of artificial intelligence through ethics-centered research, teaching, and engagement. This initiative supports scholars who are advancing responsible AI practices and developing innovative approaches to ensure that AI technologies serve the collective good. Areas of focus include addressing bias in systems and policies, promoting transparency and accountability, and fostering inclusive frameworks that prioritize fairness, opportunity, and human well-being. Through this work, Tufts aims to lead globally in shaping the future of ethical and socially responsive AI.

CCTS Health Equity Cluster

The Health Equity Cluster within Connecting the Community of Tufts Scholars (CCTS) fosters collaborative, interdisciplinary research, teaching, and community engagement focused on improving health outcomes for populations locally and globally. This initiative supports faculty who pursue innovative approaches to addressing health disparities by examining structural factors—such as economic, environmental, and social conditions—that shape health and well-being. Faculty are encouraged to apply frameworks grounded in fairness, opportunity, and community strengths to advance inclusive and impactful solutions.

Meet the Cohort Members:

• Anna Zink, School of Arts and Sciences – AI in healthcare
• Sebastian Ramos, School of Medicine – Maternal and fetal medicine
• Melissa Newman, School of Dental Medicine – Comprehensive care
• Yi-Pin Lin, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine – Vector-borne diseases
• Demond Hill, School of Arts and Sciences – Mental health equity
• LaPorchia Collins, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy – Nutrition equity

The Energy and Environment Cluster within Connecting the Community of Tufts Scholars (CCTS) fosters collaborative, interdisciplinary research, teaching, and community engagement across disciplines. This initiative supports faculty who are advancing innovative solutions to environmental challenges and exploring the role of energy systems in shaping a more equitable and sustainable future. Tufts brings together its distinctive strengths in engineering, humanities, nutrition, and policy to advance equity and promote environmental sustainability through innovative approaches to energy and the environment.

Meet the Cohort Members:

Jonah Bloch-Johnson, School of Arts and Sciences- Earth and climate sciences

Brandon McDonald,  School of Arts and Sciences - Climate change in classical antiquity

Easwaran Narassimhan, Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy- Climate and energy policy

Khristopher Nicholas, Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy- Agriculture and Climate

Lauryn Spearing School of Engineering-Environmental impact analysis
Emily Strasser, School of Arts and Sciences- Creative non-fiction and journalism

Connecting the Community of Tufts Scholars (CCTS) is a new cluster hiring initiative aimed at attracting and supporting visionary faculty whose work drives progress toward a more equitable and inclusive society, with a focus on empowering communities across the U.S. and around the world.

Program Goals

• Increase: Expand the number and amplify the impact of faculty across Tufts whose work advances equity and engages with underserved communities in the U.S. and globally.
• Nurture: Foster an environment where faculty are empowered to address pressing contemporary challenges related to equity, inclusion, and social well-being.
• Build: Cultivate a vibrant, interdisciplinary community of scholars committed to driving transformative change through research, teaching, and engagement.
• Encourage & Foster: Strengthen collaboration among Tufts’ dynamic faculty and staff to enhance research, innovation, and shared learning.
• Create: Develop bold, forward-thinking educational and research opportunities that inspire and equip students and trainees to lead in addressing societal challenges.
• Target: Pursue a broader and more diverse array of research funding sources and avenues for recognition and support.
• Expand: Extend Tufts’ commitment to equity and impact beyond campus, forging partnerships and initiatives that benefit communities locally and globally.