Connected Futures: Community, Risk & Networks

 

The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences hosted a successful research mixer on November 20 at Hendershots Coffee, our new community partner for these networking events. Thirty-five faculty members gathered to explore collaborative opportunities under the theme "Connected Futures: Community, Risk & Networks," with six presentations showcasing interdisciplinary research possibilities across campus.Faculty presentations highlighted diverse approaches to understanding community risk and resilience. 

 

Professor Chris Peterson from Plant Biology introduced a Presidential Seed Grant application examining tree failure risks to homes and infrastructure through innovative LiDAR scanning and stability modeling. Associate Professor Marc Ragin presented CIRCAD (Center for Innovation in Risk, Catastrophes, and Decisions), a new NSF Industry-University Cooperative Research Center offering faculty expedited funding pathways through industry partnerships. Professor Grace Ahn from Grady College shared her CACHE Lab's work using immersive virtual experiences to address public health and extreme weather challenges, while Professor Patricia Yager from Marine Sciences discussed climate-sensitive carbon cycling and announced a new Spring 2026 graduate course on climate and the marine biosphere. Danny Bivins and Catherine Trugman highlighted community-engaged work through the Vinson Institute and Lamar Dodd School of Art. New Franklin Research Development Coordinator Claire Kinane outlined support services available to Franklin faculty for building collaborative, interdisciplinary research teams.