UNF MedNexus expands Telescope Health Think Tank after successful first year

Following a successful inaugural year that generated innovative solutions for regional nonprofit organizations and meaningful experiential learning opportunities for University of North Florida students, UNF MedNexus, Hicks Honors College and Telescope Health are now accepting applications for the second cohort of the Social Innovation Think Tank. 

The UNF MedNexus | Telescope Health Social Innovation Think Tank was created to connect talented students with real-world challenges facing nonprofit organizations throughout Northeast Florida. Through an interdisciplinary, mentor-supported experience, students work directly with community partners to develop practical, research-informed solutions to pressing healthcare and social impact issues. 

The first cohort delivered actionable recommendations for organizations addressing food insecurity, healthcare access, family support services and mental health. Several participating organizations are exploring implementing student-developed strategies and continued collaboration beyond the program. 

One of the most compelling examples of the program's impact came through a partnership with Volunteers in Medicine Jacksonville (VIM), where students developed an innovative portal concept designed to streamline the organization's patient qualification process and improve access to care. 

"UNF Honors students completely surpassed our expectations with their work," said Suzanne Taylor, chief operating officer of Volunteers in Medicine Jacksonville. "Throughout the project, they were incredibly diligent, professional, dedicated and creative. Ultimately, they formulated an innovative portal concept designed to help streamline our patient qualifying process. VIM is currently meeting with several web developers to determine how we can bring the students' well-designed proposal into the live implementation phase." 

Taylor noted that the experience created value for both students and community organizations. 

"UNF has designed this unique course to not only challenge its students but to provide them with hands-on opportunities to engage directly with Jacksonville community partners," she said. "VIM is extremely grateful to have been chosen as a collaborator for this impactful initiative." 

Other projects completed during the inaugural cohort include: 

• Students partnered with the American Heart Association to develop a regional Food Environment Atlas designed toidentifyfood deserts and strengthen connections to nutrition resources. 
• A team working with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville developed recommendations for enhanced family programming and a comprehensive communication strategy to better support families navigating medical crises.
• Ateam partnered with Hearts 4 Minds to explore an AI-enabled mental health support platform focused on reducing stigma and expanding access to emotional wellness resources.

Mentorship and experiential learning opportunities for students 

Throughout the semester, students on all of the teams were mentored by leaders from Telescope Health, including CEO Dr. Matthew Thompson, Chief Population Health Officer Paul Sapia; and Chief Strategy Officer Trey Blanchard, who guided participants through the innovation process and helped transform ideas into viable solutions. 

"The Social Innovation Think Tank demonstrates the power of bringing students, industry leaders and community organizations together to solve real challenges," said Dr. Julie Merten, executive director and associate dean of UNF MedNexus. "Our students gain invaluable experience while community organizations receive fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to issues that matter deeply to our region." 

Telescope Health leaders noted that the program's success extends beyond individual projects. 

"What impressed us most was the students' ability to embrace complexity, collaborate across disciplines and create solutions with real-world applicability," Thompson said. "The experience reflects exactly the kind of innovative thinking our communities need." 

The initiative also reflects MedNexus' broader mission to strengthen workforce readiness through experiential learning opportunities that connect education, healthcare innovation and community impact. 

Applications open for next nonprofit organizations cohort 

Building on the momentum of the inaugural cohort, MedNexus and Telescope Health are now seeking nonprofit organizations interested in participating in the next Social Innovation Think Tank cohort. 

Selected organizations will have the opportunity to partner directly with student teams who will spend the semester researching challenges, engaging stakeholders and developing innovative recommendations tailored to organizational needs. Participation provides nonprofits with access to fresh perspectives, interdisciplinary problem-solving and potential solutions that can advance their mission and community impact. 

"We believe some of the most innovative solutions emerge when students are empowered to work alongside community leaders on meaningful challenges," said Merten. "We are excited to expand this opportunity and invite additional nonprofit organizations to join us for the next cohort." 

Applications for nonprofit partners are now open. 

Organizations interested in participating in the 2026–27 Social Innovation Think Tank cohort are encouraged to apply by August 15, 2026. 

For more information, visit the MedNexus website or contact Julie Merten, the executive director and associate dean of UNF MedNexus at JMerten@unf.edu.