Let’s converge on convergence!

Convergence Workshop: Combining Theory and Praxis in Complex Research Centers

October 6–8, 2025
Appalachian State University
Boone, North Carolina

The Convergence Workshop: Combining Theory and Praxis in Complex Research Centers will bring together teams utilizing a convergent approach to addressing 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. This workshop will be highly action-oriented, fostering dialogue, co-creation, and directly resulting in the publication of a shared compendium for convergence research.

Register to Attend

Registration instructions have been sent to teams that are developing a case study and will be participating in the workshop. If you have not received an email with a link to register and book travel arrangements, please reach out to Lauren Essick (essicklm@appstate.edu). Registration is open through September 4, 2025.

Workshop Schedule

Pre-Workshop Networking Social

Join us for an evening social upon your arrival in Boone!

Monday, October 6, 6–7:30 PM

Tuesday Workshop Sessions

Engage with members of other teams through facilitated workshop sessions. We will discuss successes, challenges, and critical factors of convergence.

Tuesday, October 7, 9AM–5PM

Tuesday Dinner

A social hour and dinner will follow the first day’s workshop sessions.

Tuesday, October 7, 5:30–8:30PM

Wednesday Workshop Sessions

We will conclude the workshop by considering themes of our conversations, future team aspirations, and next steps in publishing a Convergence Case Study Compendium.

Wednesday, October 8, 9AM–1PM

Convening Team

Program Commitee

Christine Ogilvie Hendren, Co-chair,
Vice Provost for Research & Innovation,
Appalachian State University

Grace Marasco-Plummer, Co-chair,
RIEEE Managing Director,
Appalachian State University

Anne Heberger Marino,
University of Maine Gateway; Founder, Lean to Collaborations

Susan Winters,
Director of Research Operations,
Georgia Institute of Technology

Jeni Cross,
Director of Co-Creation,
CO-WY Engine

Alison Deviney,
Postdoctoral Scholar,
North Carolina State University, STEPS

Kimberly Bourne,
Program Coordinator,
North Carolina State University; STEPS

Lauren Essick,
RIEEE Research Development Manager,
Appalachian State University

Advisory Commitee

Jacob Jones,
Director of STEPS; Professor of Materials Science and Engineering
North Carolina State University; Research Triangle Nanotechnology Network; STEPS

Darius Melvin,
Assistant Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Partnerships
Cornell University; CROPPS

Marisa Rinkus,
Associate Director of the Toolbox Dialogue Initiative Center,
Michigan State University

Hosting Commitee

Grace Marasco-Plummer, Committee Lead,
RIEEE Managing Director,
Appalachian State University