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Mad Topics: Research

Introducing the Mad Corps

The Mad Corps is a collaborative research and praxis collective emerging from the Mad Topics Initiative. Born from the need for inclusive, interdisciplinary, and action-oriented scholarship, the Mad Corps brings together undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and community partners committed to reimagining mental health, education, and leadership through lived experience and human-centered inquiry. The Mad Corps model was developed in summer 2025 by Dr. Kinsey Simone, Founder and Director of Mad Topics, in collaboration with Dr. David T. Culkin, an influential changemaker, researcher, and independent scholar with extensive experience in adult education at Kansas State University. Dr. Culkin provides expertise in both leadership development and qualitative research methods.

Dr. Simone first connected with Dr. Culkin in 2022 after reading his book OCD and Marriage, co-authored with Michaela Culkin, PhD. What began as a single Zoom meeting grew into over three years of professional collaboration and shared lived experience—demonstrating the power of interdisciplinary work and the transformative potential of a single email. Mad Topics is honored to learn from Dr. Culkin’s insights and to continue expanding this collaborative model in partnership with students, scholars, and practitioners across disciplines.

Unlike traditional "research teams," the Mad Corps framework invites whole-person participation—emphasizing shared leadership, ethical reflexivity, and creative contribution across disciplines. Members are empowered to co-develop applied research projects, design community resources, lead symposia and outreach efforts, and contribute to publications that challenge dominant narratives in mental health, education, and equity work.

Our work spans qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies, always grounded in values of transparency, rigor, and care. Whether you're a data analyst, poet, engineer, educator, or activist—you belong here.

The publications below represent just a portion of our ongoing efforts. Together, we are building a new culture of research: one that listens, reflects, and transforms.

Mad Corps Members

Current Mad Corps Primary Researchers

Current Mad Corps Faculty

External Mad Corps Researchers

Current Mad Corps PhD Students

Current Mad Corps Master Students

Publications

Below we have included publications that our Mad Topics Corps Members have worked on or are currently working on. We have included direct links (if applicable) as well as APA citations for all of our publications. Please check back regularly as we will continue to update future publications and updated links. 


Talking about mental health can sometimes be uncomfortable. We have mental health professionals at all Mad Topics events who are available to direct attendees to supportive resources. Virtual attendees and readers at any point can call the TN Tech Center for Counseling and Mental Wellness at 931-372-3331 or the Eagle Eye After Hours Crisis Hotline at 855-206-8997. You can also call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, for free and confidential support 24/7.

Center for Counseling and Mental Health Wellness

Did you know?

  • Some courses offer students extra credit for attending Mad Topics!
  • Educators can receive Professional Development Hours for attending Mad Topics!
  • Licensed mental health professionals should determine whether this panel is suitable for Continuing Education Unit (CEU) hours for their division, as per Board of Psychology requirements. Mad Topics symposia aligns with requirements for a professional workshop (see 1180-01-.08, 2.C.2.) and/or academic preparation (see 1180-01-.08, 2.D.ii), and could also pertain to cultural diversity due to discussion of disability stigmas (see 1180-01.-08, 1.d.). It is up to each licensed professional to determine the merit of this event for their specific CE requirements.

To learn more about getting involved with IMPACT TTU, Mad Topics Scholars Program, being a campus sponsor, extra credit, PD, and/or CEU opportunities, email Dr. Kinsey Simone at madtopics@tntech.edu.

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