/ 2025 Convergence Workshop

Let's converge on convergence!

Convergence Workshop:

Combining Theory and Praxis in Complex Research Centers

October 6–8, 2025
Appalachian State University
Boone, NC

The Convergence Workshop: Combining Theory and Praxis in Complex Research Centers brings 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.

An agenda will be released soon.

Expression of Interest Form

Express your interest in forming a Case Study Team.

Express Your Interest

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

Lauren Essick,
RIEEE Research Development Manager,
Appalachian State University

Whitney Wallett,
Executive Assistant to the Vice Provost for Research & Innovation,
Appalachian State University

Sponsors

National Science Foundation via the Science and Technologies for Phosphorus Sustainability (STEPS) Science Technology Center (STC),
Grant Number CBET-2019435