The Publicly Engaged Action & Research Lab (PEARL) conducts research and partners with others on community-rooted, equity driven research and practice to advance the public purposes of higher education and increase the health and well-being of our communities, schools and colleges, so we all might realize our fullest individual and collective potential. PEARL researchers partner internally within Merrimack College, as well as locally, regionally, nationally, internationally across a wide range of publicly engaged research and practice initiatives. PEARL researchers also conduct research on service-learning and community engagement. PEARL has an intentional focus on supporting and developing capacity for graduate students and emerging professionals of color.