The Social Justice Institute hosts meaningful events where students, scholars and community members gather together to tap into our individual and collective minds, hearts, souls and networks of support in order to develop strategies and actions that respect and uplift human dignity and life. We are honored to provide distinctive educational opportunities and we invite you to join us and become partners in our work.
Social Justice Institute's R & R (Research and Refreshment) lecture series returns!
What does it mean to engage in social justice related research?
Please join us for these talks from campus and community leaders on how social justice is central to their work. You are welcome to bring your lunch; drinks and desserts will be provided. There will be Q+A following the presentation.
The Hidden Impact of Hygiene Poverty on Health
Monday, November 18th at Noon
Moot Court Room, CWRU School of Law,
11075 East Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44106
Dr. Shanina Knighton is a nurse-scientist, infection preventionist, and research assistant professor at Case Western Reserve University, adjunct in biomedical engineering and also serving as a senior nurse scientist at MetroHealth System. As the inaugural Executive Director of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology's Center for Research Practice and Innovation, she was instrumental in advancing the organization's mission.
Dr. Knighton holds a Ph.D. and completed her NIH T32 postdoctoral fellowship, later becoming a CTSA KL2 Scholar. She specializes in translating infection prevention science into practical, equitable tools, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration to address complex health challenges. Currently, she serves as the Principal Investigator (PI) on an R01 grant from the National Institute on Aging, focused on a technology-based self-management intervention to improve hand hygiene and reduce contamination among older adults.
Her impactful work has driven community systems change through clinical-community-academic partnerships, resulting in numerous peer-reviewed publications, educational resources, and leadership roles on national boards. Notably, she convened 27 countries as an ISO leader to establish technical standards for infection prevention in healthcare.
Dr. Knighton has developed innovative prevention tools for community members, small businesses, and public officials, including the State of Ohio and the American Nurses Association. Her insights have been featured in major media outlets such as Forbes, Fox News, and Self Magazine. Honored with several awards, including the 2022 CWRU Faculty Innovator and the 2023 Veale Institute Entrepreneurship Faculty Fellow, she has also been a dedicated member of the CWRU Social Justice Institute Leadership team for three years.
About Our Events
The majority of our events are free of charge and open to the community. We cannot do this important work without you – we hope that you will consider supporting us in these endeavors. Gifts of any size will impact our work and support our signature programs. Donations may be made online or sent to Social Justice Institute, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106-7243.
To RSVP or volunteer for any upcoming event, please call 216.368.7568 or email socialjustice@case.edu.