Because the

controls so many members of Congress, funding for serious, objective gun violence research by organizations like the

isn't available.

And even though President Barack Obama has ordered research into gun violence and other issues surrounding firearms be resumed, there still is no funding.

Which makes it even more important that UAB scientist and professor

make her fundrasing goal to build upon her previous research that showed comprehensive background checks have an impact on gun homicides and suicides.

Sen's goal is $22,000. As of noon today, Sen had raised 93 percent on the crowdfunding website

. Though she has more than $20,000 pledged for her research, there are only two more days before her page on

comes down.

Hard-core gun supporters and groups like the NRA don't want to see much research into gun violence, likely because they don't want to know the results. But if research like Sen's can show what truly works to reduce gun violence, we would be remiss not to do it.

Already, Congress has rejected more comprehensive background checks for gun purchases -- the mildest of any gun-control legislation to come forward.

Perhaps Sen's research will revitalize the effort for reasonable gun-control measures in Congress. It'll at least provide objective data on which to base policy decisions.

Good luck to Sen and her team as they work hard to cross their fundraising finish line. And we look forward to seeing the results of her new research.

Joey Kennedy, a Pulitzer Prize winner, is a community engagement specialist for AL.com and The Birmingham News. Reach him at jkennedy@al.com.