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, 6–8PM

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, 8AM–4:30PM

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, 8AM–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