Join RIEEE in welcoming our new staff members, Dr. Michael Erb and Jim Dees, and recognizing the updated roles of Caitlin Manely and Kate Bashford. Together, these staffing updates expand RIEEE’s capacity to support faculty-led research and strengthen the translation of that work into regional and global impact.
Dr. Michael Erb, Research Scientist
We are excited to welcome Dr. Michael Erb, who joined Appalachian State and the institute in February as RIEEE Research Scientist and Research Associate Professor in the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences. A climate scientist by training, Michael joined us in Boone in early August and brings strong data science expertise to support faculty research and collaboration. He also supports the annual updates to CDIAC at Appalachian State (Carbon Dioxide Information and Analysis Center), a key time series of data on CO2 emissions from fossil fuel use and cement manufacture. His contributions strengthen the institute’s ability to produce actionable data products that support climate policy, resilience planning, and academic research.
Jim Dees, Research Engagement Manager
We’re pleased to welcome Jim Dees, who joined RIEEE in October 2024 as Research Engagement Manager. Jim brings years of experience from the Office of Sustainability and brings with him two high-impact programs he advises, Team Sunergy and the Renewable Energy Initiative (REI), which are now housed within RIEEE. His role strengthens the institute’s connection to student research and applied learning, including efforts to use campus infrastructure, such as the District Energy System at Appalachian’s Innovation District, as a living laboratory for clean energy outreach and education.
Caitlin Manely, Business Operations Manager
Caitlin Manely has assumed an expanded role as RIEEE’s Business Operations Manager, overseeing institute business operations, including post-award grants management. In this capacity, Caitlin plays a central role in streamlining administrative functions, managing core business systems, and ensuring organizational alignment with RIEEE’s strategic goals. Her new role also allows her to consult on budget development during proposal preparation, offering valuable expertise to faculty as they design competitive funding proposals.
Kate Bashford, Project Manager for Clean Vehicles Sector + Battery and Energy Storage
Based on her stellar performance, Kate Bashford has been offered a role expansion in the STEPS4Growth (S4G) project. She was serving as project manager of the Battery and Energy Storage sector within the project, and now, in addition to that role, she has taken on the role leading the Clean Vehicles sector, representing the Appalachian Energy Center as one of S4G’s four Backbone organizations. Kate also worked with the Center to obtain grant funding from the NC Collaboratory to lead a new initiative called the NC Battery Industry Partnership, which brings together companies working across NC’s battery value chain to address its challenges and opportunities.