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Research at Appalachian

Research at Appalachian

Appalachian’s location in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina provides unique opportunities for research and scholarship. Passionate and creative faculty come here to stay, and students learn in academically challenging settings under their close mentorship. Small communities, access to diverse natural resources and significant weather patterns combine with a university culture that supports innovative, interdisciplinary pedagogy, making our location one that is not only stunningly beautiful, but also intellectually stimulating.

Student and faculty research stories

What kind of research could you undertake as an Appalachian student? Read about what our students and faculty are doing in their fields, where and how they learn, and share their work.

stduent with professor handling chemicals

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Office of Research and Innovation

The Office of Research and Innovation provides support for the research, creative and scholarly endeavors of Appalachian faculty, staff and students. The office offers assistance with finding funding, writing and submitting proposals, preparing budgets, beginning and managing projects and continued fiscal management of awarded projects.

chemistry student working with professor

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Research News

More research news: Appalachian Today

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Degrees

Professional Development Opportunities from the Office of Research and Innovation

View the Office of Research and Innovation calendar of events

Appalachian faculty actively engage in research

Find out more about our Research Centers and Institutes here:

The value of undergraduate research

Working with professors on meaningful research or creative endeavors gives Appalachian students the skills they need for career or graduate school success.

Graduate Research Associate Mentoring Program

The Cratis D. Williams School of Graduate Studies has a competitive assistantship program, which pays a stipend to graduate students who collaborate with faculty members on their research projects.

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The North Carolina Research Campus - a public-private research center

Appalachian partners with the North Carolina Research Campus, providing our students with extraordinary opportunities to engage in collaborative and multidisciplinary research in human health, nutrition and agriculture.

North Carolina Research Campus

Energy research

International research & development

When individuals from countries and cultures across the globe can share knowledge and experience with one another, all nations benefit. Find out more about the research in which our faculty, staff and students are engaging in crosses boundaries and borders for the betterment of all.

Resources and support

Are you a faculty member, staff member or student looking for resources for your research endeavors? Start here to find some terrific resources available to help.

News

App State archaeology team discovers ancient campsite at Blackburn Vannoy Estate and Farm in Ashe County
July 25, 2025
App State archaeologist Dr. Alice Wright and her team of student researchers have unearthed dozens of artifacts at App State’s Blackburn Vannoy Estate and Farm in Ashe County that date back to prehistory — evidence that, 8,000 to 1,000 years ago, Native American peoples used the area as a campsite.
A podium finish and Teamwork Award are the latest wins for App State’s student-led solar vehicle team
July 14, 2025
App State’s student-powered solar vehicle team, Team Sunergy, has secured yet another podium finish to add to its consistent wins in the annual Electrek Formula Sun Grand Prix. This year, the team earned second place in its class and the event’s Teamwork Award. Team Sunergy is working to launch its next-generation solar vehicle.
App State researchers uncover hidden history at Fort Defiance
June 23, 2025
Ground-penetrating radar and App State interdisciplinary detective work have revealed 105 graves of enslaved people at Fort Defiance, adding new layers of history to the Lenoir-area landmark and confirming generations of family stories.
App State awarded $2.3M to advance innovation in NC agriculture
May 27, 2025
App State researcher Dr. Zachary Russell and his team have received a $2.3 million NCInnovation grant to develop an AI-enhanced robotic microscope that will streamline parasite analysis in livestock and poultry — helping to strengthen NC’s billion-dollar agriculture industry.
App State-based research alliance awarded $7.2M to launch Rural Talent Lab in 5 states
March 26, 2025
Supported by a $7.2 million grant from Ascendium Education Group, the Alliance for Research on Regional Colleges, housed at App State, will work to advance higher education and workforce development in rural communities over the next four years as part of its Rural Talent Lab project.
App State earns R2 designation for high research activity and doctorate production
February 13, 2025
App State has earned a Research 2 designation through the Carnegie Classification system for high research activity and doctorate production. App State’s research expenditures in fiscal year 2023 were more than $8.4 million and, in 2022–23, the university awarded 20 doctoral degrees.
App State team’s beehive monitoring system buzzes toward market with NCInnovation support
December 9, 2024
A $641,951 NCInnovation grant awarded to App State’s Dr. Rahman Tashakkori and his research team will support the commercialization of four components of the team’s Beemon Hive Monitoring System — an innovative tool designed to decrease honeybee hive die-off and increase hive production.
Construction of App State’s Conservatory for Biodiversity Education and Research set to begin Summer 2023
June 9, 2023
Construction for App State’s Conservatory for Biodiversity Education and Research — the first academic building of the university’s Innovation District — is set to begin in July. The facility, offering classroom, office, laboratory and event space, will be built to the rigorous sustainability standards of the Living Building Challenge.