The Center for Appalachian Innovation at 51°µÍø will support our region through research, opportunities for engagement, and outreach. It will establish 51°µÍø as a thought leader in the region, a partner in innovation, and a driver of economic growth.
RESEARCH
The Center sponsors faculty and student research in collaboration with industry and local government to investigate and identify solutions to systemic regional challenges. Some of our recent projects teams are shown here; roll over the image to read more about a project. Results of these research projects will be in this section as they are completed and distributed.
Opportunity Zone Designation in Appalachian Ohio: Jared Bees, Emma Cozza, Emily Pritt, Chase Stephen,
Richie Svencer, Matthew Thomas, Liz White, Austin Ziance
The goal of this project focused on stimulating economic development across Appalachian Ohio through the recommendation of Opportunity Zones for designation by the federal Treasury Department. Results provide a ranked framework for Opportunity Zone designation and targeted economic development, offering actionable insights for policymakers, regional economic developers, and potential investors.
SPRING 2026: Two students present their work from a class project in DATA 410, in which they worked with state and local economic developers to develop a model that will help optimize the selection of Opportunity Zones for the next 10 years.
Summer 2026 Interns are working to identify Opportunity Zones in Appalachian Ohio.
Spring 2026 Fellows examined the effect of hospital consolidation on rural Appalachian healthcare and the economic impact of the consolidation to the community members.
Summer 2026 Interns attended the State of the Region Conference in Athens, Ohio, as they began work on researching Opportunity Zones in the region.
On February 26, 2026 the Center held a symposium dedicated to "The Future of Appalachian Ohio's Timber Industry." Keynote Speaker was Jenna Reese , Executive Director of the Ohio Forestry Association.
Appalachian Ohio holds one of the most productive and under-leveraged hardwood forest resources in the eastern United States. Traditional logging and sawmilling have shaped the region for generations, yet rapid changes in markets, policy, and technology signal a new and opportunity: to shift from commodity extraction toward value-added manufacturing, innovation, and regional resilience. With markets consolidating and new markets emerging, including engineered wood products, pellets, biomass energy, animal bedding, and advanced carbon and bioproduct applications. The next decade will determine whether Ohio captures value locally or exports it elsewhere.
The Future of Appalachian Ohio's Timber Industry symposium brought together the people positioned to shape the future of the region’s forest and wood economy, and to ensure that value creation, job growth, and innovation occur here in Appalachian Ohio. Sessions include the state of the Appalachian Ohio timber economy, emerging markets for timber, defining and executing on development opportunities, and public-private partnerships.
Audience members at the Future of Appalachian Ohio's Timber Industry symposium were able to interact with and pose questions to the panel.
In April 2026 The Center hosted a small business open house at the Center offices in McKinney Media Center. The event provided opportunities for students, community members and Center officials to mingle and discuss the support the Center an provide.
Together, we grow and thrive.
Join us in the heart of Appalachian Ohio as we develop and grow a Center designed to collaboratively promote and develop the region.
READ ABOUT THE LAUNCH OF THE CENTER
Contact the Center for Appalachian Innovation: Appalachian.Innovation@marietta.edu
Michelle Jeitler, Academic Program Director
mej001@marietta.edu
Remain updated on Center events and initiatives