Research Institute for Environment, Energy and Economics
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.

Convergence Workshop: Combining Theory and Praxis in Complex Research Centers

The Convergence Workshop: Combining Theory and Praxis in Complex Research Centers brings together teams employing a convergent approach to tackle complex societal challenges. This invitation-only workshop will focus on sharing models and best practices for boundary-spanning, integrative research while collaboratively tackling key challenges in advancing convergence. The convening will be highly action-oriented, fostering dialogue, co-creation, and directly resulting in the publication of a shared compendium for convergence research.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Research Themes

Blue ridge mountains mist

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

People and partners

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

Students working in field

Regenerative Forestry, Agriculture and Food Systems

Sustainable and holistic approaches to managing working landscapes to preserve and enhance ecosystem and human health

Rendering of Innovation District’s STEM Academic Building

Resilient Built Environments, Infrastructures and Engineered Systems

Designs, technologies, and practices for environmentally conscious and resource-efficient solutions for built environments

Learn more about our research themes

Projects and Program Highlights

community feast
Community FEaST
INFRAMES garden
Increasing Interested Party Engagement and Co-Production for The International Network for Researching, Advancing, and Assessing Materials for Environmental Sustainability (INFRAMES)
National Science Foundation (NSF) via Duke University
Wind Turbine
Experiential Learning of Met Tower Instrumentation for Wind Energy Assessment at Appalachian State
DOE National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) via REpowering Schools
STEPS project
Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS): Convergence Research, Highlands TBL and Collaborative Governance Projects
National Science Foundation (NSF) via North Carolina State University (NCSU)

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