Register for the CRC's Engaged Research Symposium, “Let’s Grow Together”
April 9, 2026
Join the WVU Center for Resilient Communities for the 2026 CRC Engaged Research Symposium, “Let’s Grow Together” a two-day gathering on April 23rd and 24th, that brings students, faculty, and community partners into a shared space to celebrate the transformative power of community-engaged research and scholarship. This year, we are especially proud to recognize and celebrate the community partners and students whose collaboration, knowledge, and commitment make this work possible.
This annual event celebrates long-term university–community partnerships, elevates student-led research, and creates space for new ideas, relationships, and collaborations to take root. The symposium will feature the work of 8 graduate researchers and 11 undergraduate researchers across six interdisciplinary project teams addressing critical issues such as water security, food systems transformation, belonging, and grassroots economic development. Together, these efforts reflect a shared commitment to action-oriented scholarship that strengthens communities and advances resilience across West Virginia and beyond.
Symposium Schedule
Thursday Symposium Events – April 23 | 4 – 7 p.m.
4–5 p.m. – Open House and Networking at the CRC (309 Brooks Hall)
5–6 p.m. – Recognition, Awards Ceremony and Celebration (309 Brooks Hall)
6–7 p.m. – The Story of the Friends of Deckers Creek – Artistic performance by Eddie “Spaghetti” Maier in collaboration with Friends of Deckers Creek
Friday Symposium Events – April 24 | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
9–10 a.m. – Plenary Lecture: “Community Geographies: University-Community Partnerships in Hard Times” – Dr. Bradley Wilson, Executive Director, CRC (Brooks Hall 325)
10:15–10:45 a.m. – Making A Home: Place and Belonging Research Team
11–11:30 a.m. – Diverse Economies: Livelihoods and Grassroots Development Research Team
11:10–11:40 a.m. – Streams of Solidarity: Climate and Environmental Justice Research Team
11:50 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. – Nourishing Futures: Food Justice, Rights and Sovereignty Research Team
12:20–1:20 p.m. – Lunch Break
1:20–1:50 p.m. – Farm to School: Transforming School Meals Research Team
2–2:30 p.m. – Vibrant Transformations: Cultivating Youth Resilience Leaders Research Team
2:30–3:30 p.m. – Closing Reflections
To learn more about the Symposium and work of the CRC visit our website. We invite you to listen, participate, and engage by joining us on April 23rd–24th to celebrate the power of scholarship in action.