Dr. Erin Bush, an Associate Professor at the School of Communication Science and Disorders, joined Action Research Network of the Americas’ leadership team as its membership chair in 2025. Since then, she has become a primary force in expanding the association’s network, an effort recognized with the ARNA Community Development Award.  

The ARNA provides a professional, practice-oriented space for students and practitioners across the Americas to come together and share ideas and initiatives that strengthen action research for diverse communities.  

“I got involved because I’m a qualitative researcher who likes community-based research. That kind of research often leads to action research because communities are usually in need of something, and we want to make that happen for them,” said Bush.

The ARNA Community Development Award recognizes members who demonstrate leadership, commitment, and engagement in community impact and research. It honors individuals who network and strengthen connections within the action research network.  

“I was surprised when I received this award because I haven’t been involved in leadership in ARNA for very long,” said Bush. “But it is the work I want to be doing. I want to be doing meaningful work that makes a real impact, and so it just lets me know I’m on the right track.” 

When joining ARNA, Bush earned herself a spot on the Coordinating Leadership Team as Membership Chair. With this, she has made a large impact within the association and its global network, setting herself up as a driving force in expanding ARNA’s reach.  

“I started a distinguished lecture series last year. It gives someone who is at the end of their career at ARNA the space to talk about what they learned, their journey, and their work,” said Bush. “I also co-founded the annual international symposium with our colleagues in Mongolia, which helped connect people from across the world through action research outside of a conference.” 

The importance of action research within ARNA is twofold, as it allows for an immediate product within communities while also giving researchers space to connect with and understand the issues they are studying in different communities.  

“I think that as researchers, what we are really doing is creating knowledge, and community-based work is so important because it means that we’re tapping into the people around us and finding out what’s meaningful to them or what’s needed,” said Bush. “At this stage in my career, I’m really just interested in helping or strengthening communities in need. That’s the most meaningful work to me.”  

Bush’s focus on community building and research extends beyond her position in ARNA. Her leadership and engagement are displayed in the classroom as she creates meaningful experiences for her students that will help them far after they take her class.  

“I think that because I am a community-based researcher, I like to try to create community in my classrooms too. We do meaningful group work, case studies, and structured discussions so that they have an opportunity to be a part of a learning community and not just passive recipients,” said Bush.  

Through her research, Bush not only contributes to the communities she works with but also gains a deeper understanding of their experiences. Her work continues to shape her perspective of the different backgrounds and circumstances that influence people’s lives. 

“You constantly learn humility and learn about other people’s challenges and what they have been through. I think when you’re doing community-based work, it’s always going to be interprofessional and interdisciplinary, so you are always learning from the whole team,” said Bush.