Researchers Investigating Sociocultural Equity and Race (RISER) Network, co-founded by Stephanie M. Curenton (Boston University) and Iheoma U. Iruka (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill), is a collaboration between senior, mid-level, and junior scholars working together to conduct applied child development research focused on the positive development of Black children and to disseminate research to policy makers in order to dismantle education and health disparities and to promote the thriving and academic success of children.

​The team works together to publish research unpacking how racism is an environmental context that drives health and education disparities specifically across the child development trajectory from prenatal to age 8, focusing on disseminating research knowledge to scholars and policy makers that is actionable, strengths-based, and focused on wellness promotion.