Research Institute for Environment, Energy and Economics

Research Institute for Environment, Energy and Economics (RIEEE) at Appalachian State University – the research arm of the University’s commitment to sustainability.

App State Team Sunergy earns historic victory in cross-country solar racing challenge

Appalachian State University’s solar vehicle racing team, Team Sunergy, made history at the international 2026 Electrek American Solar Challenge (ASC) with its new vehicle, Autumn, becoming the only team to capture the first-place win twice in the competition’s multi-occupant vehicle (MOV) category.

Research Themes

We support sustainability research throughout the university on a variety of themes. Learn more about our research themes and discover the projects and people involved.

Explore our research areas

Projects and Programs

We enhance the research enterprise at App State by cultivating research teams and fostering collaboration. Explore the various funded projects and programs we support.

View our work

RIEEE contributes to the mission of Appalachian State University by supporting faculty in synthesizing and pursuing their visions for high impact research, developing institutional capacity for collaborative productivity, building shared research infrastructures, and multiplying opportunities through the growth of transdisciplinary networks.

Upcoming Events

View all upcoming events

Latest News

Three people examine papers and a plastic container while sitting on rocks beside a stream; others stand in the background near trees and water.

From living ecosystems to human health and new monitoring tech — the New River anchors App State inquiry and contemplation

September 16, 2026

The watershed links inquiry across disciplines and connects students to landscape.

App State's Team Sunergy crossing the finish line of the 2026 Electrek American Solar Challenge in Amarillo, Texas.

App State Team Sunergy earns historic victory in cross-country solar racing challenge

August 14, 2026

The team claimed its second first-place finish since 2021 and earned this year’s Practicality Award Original post by Bret YagerPosted Aug. 11, 2026 at 3:24 p.m. Appalachian State University’s solar vehicle…

Resilient Built Environments, Infrastructures and Engineered Systems

Dr. Andrew Windham (STBE) Receives Chancellor’s Innovation Scholars Grant to Support Workforce Development through the Trades Pathways Initiative

June 24, 2026

Congratulations to Dr. Andrew Windham, Associate Professor of Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, who received a $25,000 Chancellor’s Innovation Grant to support the Trades Pathways Initiative to bolster workforce…

View all news and updates

Research Themes

Dynamics of Earth Systems, Ecosystems, and Natural Resource Conservation

Elucidating the interconnected processes that govern the Earth’s dynamic systems so that we may repair, preserve, and interact symbiotically to meet current and future human needs

Just and Thriving Communities

Exploring and developing inclusive and sustainable communities that repair past harms, empower marginalized voices, promote economic security, and foster belonging and agency for all