May 2024 - INFRAMES Knowledge Co-Production Workshop
Complex and so-called “wicked problems” require integrated responses drawing on the expertise of many types of institutions and disciplines to harness the idea-creating power of academic research and translate it into applied, impactful real-world solutions. This workshop and the planning process that led to it demonstrated knowledge co-production and brought researchers, practitioners, educators, artists, and students together around a particular topic and problem space – interactions between surface waters and human decisions, targeting microplastics and nutrient cycling in waters. Through a blend of presentations, multi-stakeholder discussions, excursions, and collaborative exercises, workshop participants converged to co-generate insights that catalyze integration and innovation across groups that create, research, work, regulate, advocate, educate, and communicate in and about the convening topic.
A multi-stakeholder planning committee developed the workshop agenda (view here). Panels, activities and interactions were held all day on Thursday, May 16th and Friday May 17th, 2024.
This event was funded by the Increasing Interested Party Engagement and Co-Production for The International Network for Researching, Advancing, and Assessing Materials for Environmental Sustainability (INFRAMES) project.
Boone Creek Activity
Dr. Shea Tuberty, professor in App State’s Biology Department, describes the pollutants that affect Boone Creek and the efforts to restore it. Photo by Dr. Alison Deviney.
Sensors for Water Quality
Fiza Pir Dad, a Ph.D. student at Duke University and INFRAMES researcher, and Kelly Ruff ’97, an Appalachian alumnus who teaches AP Environmental Science and Aquatic Ecology at Hickory High School, participate in a water quality monitoring session led by Dr. Eric McLamore, professor of Agricultural Sciences at Clemson University. Photo by Dr. Alison Deviney.
Co-Production Writing
Dr. Christine Ogilvie Hendren, Appalachian State Vice Provost for Research and Innovation, leads participants in coversation during a Co-Production Writing session designed to capture the take-aways from this workshop.
Trophic Cascade Exhibit
Artist April Flanders, professor in App State’s Studio Art department, spoke to workshop attendees about the delicate balance of aquatic ecosystems. This piece depicts invasive marine species and is part of Flander’s Trophic Cascade exhibit on display in the Hodges Gallery of the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts through June 8, 2024.
Workshop Sessions
Panel One: The Medium, WATER – How do we understand the waters of the High Country?
What’s the story behind the mountain river and streams? How do they change throughout the year, support special plants and animals, influence our culture, and impact our lives economically, socially, and historically? And what are we doing to protect them?
- Andy Hill, High Country Regional Director of Mountain True and Watauga Riverkeeper
- Kelly McCoy, Owner, RiverGirl Fishing Co.
- Mark Wiesner, Ph.D., Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University; INFRAMES PI
Panel Two: The Exposure – How do we know what is in the water?
How do we keep tabs on what’s in our water, including mircroplastics and nutrients, and what are the hurdles we face? From figuring out what pollutants are present to tracking where they come from, how do we make sure our water stays clean and safe, and who’s in charge of making sure it does? What are the solutions?
- Ralf Kaegi, Ph.D., Research Scientist and Particle Lab Head, Eawag Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology
- Eric McLamore, Ph.D.,Associate Professor of Agricultural Sciences, Clemson University
- Danielle Slomberg, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Sustainable Environment Group, Aix-Marseille Université—CEREGE
- Emma Crider, High Country Outreach Coordinator, Mountain True
- Nathaniel Barrett, Research Scientist, Western Carolina University
Panel Three: The Hazard – How do we know if what is in the water is bad?
What are the risks associated with plastics and excess nutrients in our environment, and how do they affect both people and ecosystems? From potential health hazards to the services provided by our natural surroundings, how do we understand and address the impacts of these pollutants on our lives and the world around us? What are the solutions?
- Matthew Van Dyke, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Advertising and Public Relations, University of Alabama
- Ryan Sparks, NC DEQ Basin Planning Branch
- Courtney Woods, Ph.D., Associate Professor and MPH Program Director, Environmental Sciences and Engineering, UNC-Chapel Hill
- Aaron Hrozencik, Ph.D., Research Agricultural Economist, USDA Economic Research Service
- Andrew West, Ph.D., Professor of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University
Sponsor
National Science Foundation via the International Network for Researching, Advancing, and Assessing Materials for Environmental Sustainability (INFRAMES)
