The Kellner Center for Neurogenomics, Behavior, and Society

Beginning in August 2025, the Kellner Center is sponsoring two Kellner Fellowships in connection with the Partnerships for Evidence-based Public Policy (PEPP) faculty fellowship program. This program aims to create a bridge between research experts and the public by enabling mid-career faculty across the Illinois System to conduct year-long policy research projects with Illinois government partners.  

Andrew Foell is an Assistant Professor in the Jane Addams College of Social Work in Chicago, partnering with the Illinois Department of Human Services. His project, Housing Stability and Mental Health Among Residents in Permanent Supportive Housing, will examine the impact of permanent supportive housing participation on housing stability and mental health among individuals at risk of homelessness. 

Will Schneider is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, partnering with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. His project, EmPwR: Empower Parenting with Resources, will test whether reducing economic inequalities through unconditional cash transfers increases at-risk families’ ability to provide the safe and consistent care necessary to prevent maltreatment. Schneider is also a Senior Kellner Fellow and will facilitate partnership and program development for PEPP.

The work of these two fellows addresses social policy issues that directly impact the mental health and wellbeing of Illinois residents. Their research stands to improve the lives of some of the state’s most vulnerable citizens – individuals facing homelessness and families at risk of child maltreatment. 

The Partnerships for Evidence-based Public Policy (PEPP) faculty fellowship program is coordinated by the Center for Social & Behavioral Science (CSBS) and the Institute for Government and Public Affairs (IGPA). More information is available here.