Knowledge Mobilization Impact Awards were held on March 28, 2019

On Thursday, March 28, the Graduate College presented finalists for the 2019 Knowledge Mobilization Impact Awards Ceremony.

Jennifer Cason, director of Student Support Resources at the Graduate College, defined knowledge mobilization as “a way to bridge knowledge production between the academy and the general public.” “Engaging in knowledge mobilization allows knowledge to travel across spaces and stimulate change and innovation,” said Cason.

Every year, graduate students and postdoctoral scholars can apply for the Knowledge Mobilization Impact Awards. Awards are given to scholars who produce knowledge about a significant social problem, engage a target audience to help their understanding of the topic, and document the impact of their research on the community of interest.

This year, ASU graduate students Michele Clark and Ashley Quay took home the top awards.

Clark is a doctoral student in Environmental Life Sciences. Her project is called “A Toolkit for Fighting Invasive Plant Species in Nepal”. Clark started the project when she learned of fast-growing vines invading the forests of Nepal, reducing the food and natural resources of local communities there. She said she wanted to address the problem with her research while “keeping the community engaged with the project.” Through her work with the community they were able to produce a toolkit that locals could use to remove or prevent the invasive species and help produce a more resilient and healthy community

Quay is a master’s student in sustainability leadership. Her project, “Positively Impactful,” is an online publication platform about sustainability. She found that much of the information about sustainability is “doom and gloom” and all about the negative outcomes. As a result, Quay emphasizes a more positive approach to knowledge by featuring efforts by individuals and organizations that “inspire others to make a difference”. She shares these projects by creating educational watercolor illustrations for her Positively Impactful blog and social media.

Like their students, ASU professors also have an objective to change the world through research projects.

“I think we have a moral obligation to make sure that the research that we’re doing is being put into the hands of people that can use it,” said Trisalyn Nelson, director of the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning. Nelson served as the featured speaker for the award ceremony.

In 2014, Nelson created Bike Maps after cycling on a dangerous path. Bike Maps is a web and app-based collection of cycling accident and near-accident information placed visually into a map. By crowdsourcing accident information, she has influenced decision makers to create safer cities for cycling.

Nelson expressed how important it is for students at ASU to work towards making an impact with their research. ASU provides several professional development courses and opportunities to further knowledge mobilization. Interdisciplinary Research Colloquium allows first-year students from all fields to collaborate on research projects and be introduced to knowledge mobilization. Preparing Future Faculty and Scholars is geared towards students who want to explore how their knowledge can be mobilized in both academic and non-academic spaces. Knowledge Mobilization Studio is where students learn how to share their research effectively.

In line with ASU’s mission, Cason said making information accessible “stimulates change and innovation.” The Graduate College is focused on encouraging knowledge mobilization in all facets of our graduate programs.

To learn more about knowledge mobilization at ASU, check out our professional development page or look at the work of past winners.