- Date published
Missouri State’s efactory to host “Research that Shows Up” April 27.
Research is often associated with laboratories and academic journals, but its impact reaches far beyond campus walls. In the Springfield community, research can shape how local waterways are protected, how nonprofits address community needs and how organizations collaborate to build a more sustainable future.
As part of Missouri State University’s Sparking Scholarship Spring Series, efactory will host Research that Shows Up on April 27, highlighting how research conducted by faculty and community partners is being applied to real-world challenges in the region.
The event is free and open to the public and will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at efactory, with lunch provided. Two panel discussions will explore how research and data inform community partnerships, environmental stewardship and regional decision-making.
Protecting Our Local Waterways: Community Partnerships for a Sustainable Future
The first panel, “Protecting Our Local Waterways: Community Partnerships for a Sustainable Future,” will run from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Springfield has a long history of collaboration focused on protecting its water resources, which are recognized as critical to both environmental health and the region’s economic vitality.
Panelists will discuss the progress the community has made in managing and protecting surface and groundwater resources, highlight current initiatives and examine future challenges facing the region. The discussion will also explore how collaboration among nonprofits, private industry, local government and university researchers continues to strengthen efforts to preserve these resources for future generations.
The panel will be moderated by Marc Owen and will include:
- Mike Kromrey, Watershed Committee of the Ozarks
- Bobbilynne Koepke, Environmental Works
- Saki Urushidani, City of Springfield Environmental Services
- Toby Dogwiler, Missouri State University School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability
Sustainability & the Community Focus Report
The second panel, “Sustainability & the Community Focus Report,” will take place from 12:45 to 2 p.m. and will explore how research and data collected through the Community Focus Report help guide strategic decisions across the region.
Community Focus uses local data to support a shared agenda around the community’s strengths and needs. At a time when many organizations face funding uncertainty, data-informed strategies help stakeholders make targeted decisions with limited resources. Panelists will discuss how research translates into action through collaboration among funders, nonprofits and community organizations.
The panel will be moderated by Traci Nash and will include:
- Winter Kinne, Community Foundation of the Ozarks
- Brandi VanAntwerp, United Way of the Ozarks Region
- Megan Garrett, Community Partnership of the Ozarks, Community Collaboratives Director
- Alan Tinkler, Sustainability Fellows Program Coordinator, Community Partnership of the Ozarks Housing Collaborative Chair and United Way Community Investment Panel member
The event is part of Missouri State University’s broader Sparking Scholarship Spring Series, which highlights the impact of faculty scholarship and community collaboration across disciplines.