OrbitMediaOnline.com

Muskingum University was selected to participate in the Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative, a symposium where Muskingum students presented their work with the Village of New Concord. 

Eleven students took part in the presentation focused on place-based applied research for enhancing cultural tourism and walkability for economic revitalization. The students worked with the village to conduct a community needs assessment for improving walkability and access to the downtown business district. 

Muskingum University’s Regional Planning class stands at the Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative (ACRI). ACRI was organized by the Appalachian Regional Commission which is a federal agency.

Emma Cepek – Senior, History/Public Administration, New Albany (Ohio) 

Abigail Dickson – Senior, Political Science/Sociology, New Concord (Ohio) 

Chase Kesler – Senior, Criminal Justice/Political Science, Dayton (Ohio) 

Kyra Kiessling – Junior, Public Administration, Willowick (Ohio) 

Anthony Mazzagatti – Senior, Criminal Justice, Uniontown (Ohio) 

Grace Nees – Junior, Political Science, Plain City (Ohio) 

Travis Reynolds – Junior, Business Management, Van Wert (Ohio) 

Christoph Silberbauer – Senior, Education, Germany 

Dominic Tavella – Sophomore, Political Science, Columbus (Ohio) 

Jack Watts – Senior, Criminal Justice/Political Science, Louisville (KY) 

Aidan West – Sophomore, Political Science/History, Zanesville (Ohio) 

“The research program is a tremendous opportunity for students to collaborate with community stakeholders and partners on community issues, as well as share their research and findings with peers from other institutions across the region,” said Assistant Professor of Political Science Dr. William Toombs. 

Muskingum University is one of 13 Appalachian institutions selected to participate in the program that helps Appalachian educational institutions identify and address a wide range of community challenges. 

The event, held on Dec. 1-2, was supported by the Appalachian Regional Commission. The ARC is an agency with a mission to innovate, partner, and invest in communities and bring economic growth to Appalachia. 

To learn more about ACRI and this year’s research projects, visit www.arc.gov/ACRI/.