The SEN Research Institute
Advancing Knowledge, Shaping Inclusive Futures Together!
The SEN Research Institute is dedicated to advancing knowledge, innovation, and best practices in the field of special education. Focused on individuals with special educational needs (SEN), the institute conducts interdisciplinary research that informs teaching methods, intervention strategies, policy development, and community programs. By exploring the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in SEN education and support, the Research Institute serves as a vital resource for educators, families, and policymakers. It champions evidence-based solutions that promote inclusion, accessibility, and lifelong learning. Through partnerships with academic institutions, schools, and advocacy organizations, the SEN Research Institute fosters a collaborative approach to research and knowledge-sharing. Aligned with CESC’s mission, the institute is committed to translating research into practical strategies that empower learners of all abilities to succeed. At its core, the SEN Research Institute is a catalyst for meaningful change, innovation, and global progress in special education.
Services
Coming Soon
Department Chair
Dr. Olivia Francis-Boyle, PhD
Dr. Olivia Francis-Boyle, PhD is an accomplished scientist, educator, and mentor committed to advancing research and education. She holds a PhD in Anatomy from Loma Linda University, a MSc in Education from Walden University, and a BS in Biology from Andrews University (University of the Southern Caribbean extension campus in Trinidad & Tobago).
Dr. Francis-Boyle currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Loma Linda University’s Schools of Pharmacy and Medicine, where she coordinates the Immunology curriculum and teaches topics in Immunology, Immunotherapy, and Endocrinology. As a Principal Investigator, she leads a vibrant research program focused on understanding and treating acute leukemias and other cancers, while providing hands-on training for post-doctoral fellows, graduate students, and undergraduates.
Beyond the lab and classroom, Dr. Francis-Boyle is passionate about bridging science and the community through educational outreach and service. As head of the SEN Research Institute, she is dedicated to fostering scientific innovation and community impact.
Project 1 - 2026
GRASP INT of Loma Linda University
GRASP International is an initiative of Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) designed to foster collaborative, interdisciplinary research between LLUH faculty and international researchers from Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) hospitals, medical centers, and universities worldwide. Managed by the Office of the Vice President for Research Affairs, the program offers grants of up to $75,000 over a 24-month period to support innovative research projects that build research capacity, strengthen global partnerships, and generate preliminary data for future funding opportunities.
The program’s primary goals are to promote pioneering research, develop grant preparation skills, and empower international SDA institutions through capacity building. Eligible projects must be jointly led by two co-Principal Investigators (co-PIs)—one from LLUH and one from an international SDA institution—with the international co-PI playing a lead operational role under the mentorship of the LLUH co-PI.
Applications are evaluated based on scientific merit, innovation, international collaboration quality, leadership planning, and potential for high-impact outcomes. GRASP International represents a strategic investment in advancing scientific knowledge, healthcare improvement, and educational development across global SDA institutions.
