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Abstract or Project Description

Abstract or Project Description

Continued support for the Little Steps to College program, which offers early literacy and wraparound family services for families in Oakland’s Fruitvale neighborhood.

Abstract or Project Description

A community co-created ritual performance merging Korean shamanism with digital technologies, featuring Oakland immigrant communities and diasporic artists in an immersive experience where digital ancestors perform alongside live performers at EastSide Cultural Center.

Abstract or Project Description

Two-year grant supporting Oakland Unified School District in advancing Structured Literacy, translanguaging and equitable practices.

Abstract or Project Description

Renewed support for a pooled fund to provide equitable, accessible multilingual education for young multilingual learners in Oakland and across California.

Abstract or Project Description

Officially launching in 2026, the Accelerating Literacy Leadership (ALL) Grant supports Oakland schools in dramatically improving PreK–Second grade students’ reading outcomes by strengthening conditions for educators, students and families. This grant funds a partnership between Franklin Elementary and Families in Action Oakland to support school-based literacy leadership through family and community engagement.

Abstract or Project Description

An immersive, multidisciplinary event that transforms Queer and Transgender Black, Indigenous and People of Color rage into collective power, artistry and healing through musical performances, somatic choreography and interactive installations to foster collective catharsis and cultural affirmation.

Abstract or Project Description

A series of dance-based performance pieces by gizeh muñiz devised alongside a team of collaborators that dismantle hierarchical forms of creating. Set to a visual sound score, “MuSeD” is a reflection of how to not only stay alive but to remain connected to ourselves and each other.

Abstract or Project Description

Several lines of evidence have implicated stress in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER stress) of intestinal cells to the pathogenesis of IBD. ER stress is a common feature in tissues from individuals with IBD, and mutations in genes in ER homeostasis are risk factors for both ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. In animal models, genetic deletion of factors required for resolution of ER stress sensitizes to intestinal inflammation or results in spontaneous inflammation, whereas chemical mitigation of ER stress protects from inflammation. Overall, it is clear that unresolved ER stress can both cause and exacerbate intestinal inflammation. It remains largely unknown, however, what factors trigger ER stress, especially in the context of IBD pathogenesis in humans. Our project will evaluate roles of the human microbiome in regulation of ER stress in human cells and the contribution of such roles to the pathogenesis of IBD. Our goal is to define causal roles of the human microbiome in IBD and to lay the groundwork for the development of novel diagnostics and therapeutics.

Abstract or Project Description

Iterating on the underground, awarded-winning trio work “Ice/Car/Cage/Stain,” Gabriele Christian and the Rupture collective will mine, wreck and remix archival footage and testimonials to create a new turbulent dance work built for this time.

Abstract or Project Description

Glucocorticoids are the mainstay treatment to quell acute flare events in the context of Inflammatory Bowel Disease. These steroids are taken systemically and have broad and long-lasting side effects. As a result, alternative, safer approaches are sought. We have recently discovered that proteins made by the gut microbiota found predominantly in healthy individuals trigger the same receptors. This suggests that these proteins may have therapeutic benefit. The proposed research aims to further our understanding of these interactions. We aim to test whether these proteins, when amended to the gut microbiome of mice with colitis, are sufficient to reduce inflammation. Our ultimate goal is to develop therapeutics for patients with IBD that perform the role of glucocorticoids and act locally on inflamed tissue in the gut. 

Abstract or Project Description

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) remains difficult to treat, partly because we do not fully understand how dying cells within the intestinal lining influence immune responses and tissue repair. Different types of cell death—apoptosis (non-inflammatory), necroptosis, pyroptosis (inflammatory)—occur in IBD, but how immune responses to them shape healing remains unclear. When intestinal epithelial cells die through apoptosis, dendritic cells (DCs) help maintain balance by producing molecules that suppress inflammation and promote regulatory T cells (Tregs), which aid repair. However, necroptosis and pyroptosis release signals that trigger inflammation. While inflammation is often thought to hinder repair, we hypothesize that these signals shape immune responses in ways that influence healing. Specifically, we propose that DCs interpret these signals and drive the formation of distinct Treg cell populations, each with unique repair roles. This idea challenges the paradigm that inflammation and repair are at odds, suggesting instead that certain inflammatory responses may help set the stage for recovery. Using innovative mouse models, we aim to uncover how DCs integrate signals from different types of cell death to direct tailored repair processes. By understanding these mechanisms, we hope to develop therapies that not only control inflammation but also promote lasting healing in IBD patients. 

Abstract or Project Description

Intestinal fungi, collectively known as the mycobiota, have emerged as significant contributors to intestinal disease severity. Our prior research demonstrated the efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation in inducing clinical responses in UC patients associated with decreased fungal colonization over time. Further investigations in mouse models and UC patients revealed that fungi exacerbate disease severity through the production of a toxin called candidalysin. Utilizing an array of approaches, we determined a wide fungal genetic variation within the gut of UC patients. With this proposal we will explore innovative approaches for fungal targeting in UC employing dietary approaches.

Abstract or Project Description

A new full-length experimental dance theater solo reclaiming fire as a regenerative force to transform histories of imperialism, violence and trauma into healing.

Abstract or Project Description

This US premiere uses puppetry, special effects and stop motion, and features an ensemble of bilingual local actors to explore identity, intergenerational gaps and the use of technology.

Abstract or Project Description

Officially launching in 2026, the Accelerating Literacy Leadership (ALL) Grant supports Oakland schools in dramatically improving PreK–Second grade students’ reading outcomes by strengthening conditions for educators, students and families. This grant funds equity-centered leadership development at Horace Mann through coaching, staff training and policy change in partnership with Lead Liberated.

Abstract or Project Description

Renews funding for the Director of Literacy to support effective instruction and intervention across the charter system.

Abstract or Project Description

A new duet exploring the interconnections between queer life and dance music.