Announcing the Research Impact Communities of Practice (RICoP) Facilitators

Posted On: 05-26-2026

Posted In:

The Center for Advancing Research Impact in Society (ARIS) is pleased to announce the facilitators selected for the inaugural Research Impact Communities of Practice (RICoP) program:

Heidi Ballew, Research Liaison Office, Institute for Ecological Resilience, University of Houston
Matthew Cushing, Executive Director, Office of STEM Engagement (R-STEM), Rice University
Meggan Franks, Assistant Professor and Manager of Reporting & Program Impact, AgCenter, Louisiana State University
Christal Huber, Senior Engagement Program Coordinator, The Connector, University of Missouri.
Kevin Meskill, Assistant Dean for Research-Leadership, Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies, Indiana University Bloomington;
Kim Winslow, Assistant Director for Outreach and Broader Impacts, School of Environment and Natural Resources, Ohio State University

Working in pairs, these facilitators will lead up to three communities of practice for Research Impact professionals, providing sustained peer connection, professional development, and opportunities to advance RI as a field. Facilitators will participate in an in-person training in Kansas City, Missouri, June 9–11, 2026, before the program launches in the fall.

“We are excited to launch this new community of practice with such a talented and dedicated group of facilitators. Their diverse expertise in research impact, partnership building, and professional development will be invaluable in building a stronger, more connected national network of RI professionals,” said Dr. Laurie Van Egeren, ARIS co-PI and Vice Provost of Public Engagement for the University of Minnesota.

RICoP member applications will open in June 2026, with cohort selection announced in August.

Learn More About the RICoP Facilitators