AppState R.I.S.E Experiential Cohort
AppState R.I.S.E (aka AppRISE) is an experiential cluster of students and faculty who are teaching-learning-doing applied research that can have impact for businesses and policy makers in managing risks. The idea is to involve students in consulting and policy influence that benefits professionals and organizations in the real world.
We are an extracurricular effort on the part of faculty and students. Although the majority of our membership stems from the risk management and finance disciplines, members have also studied accounting, actuarial science, criminal justice, economics, social work and sociology.
Our aim is to build/hone skills in:
Technical analysis. Analytical, results oriented research with external “clients” who have precise problems that need solutions.
Policy analysis. Private and public policy research having public presentation and publication outlets, and making recommendations for the context within which risk and insurance decisions are made (e.g., informing standard business practices, regulatory, legislative).
Innovation analysis. Innovative, future oriented research intended to utilize analytics, technology, psychology and cultural knowledge for the purpose of progressive thinking in risky decision making, business models and markets.
We regularly engage with one another, other experiential groups on campus, other universities, industry professionals and policy makers-regulators to do our work.
The team conducts multiple projects annually. We have completed risk consulting projects for AppState’s Division of Risk Management, AppState’s Bowden Investment Group, Beans2Brew, Granite Insurance, Selective Insurance, White Oak Pastures, LLC and other entities / interest groups. Our work efforts have been showcased on the Independent Insurance Association of North Carolina (IIANC) website and newsletter, North Carolina InsureExpo, the North Carolina Surplus Lines Association (NCSLA) Annual Meeting and the Society of Insurance Research (SIR) Annual Conference, in addition to several proprietary venues.
Completed research and consulting topics
Current research and consulting topics
AppRISE team members by academic year
This initiative is providing valuable experiential learning experience for the students and distinguishes the Appalachian RMI program. For more information about the initiative, please contact Dr. Lori Medders. We welcome team members from all disciplines, and seek bright, diligent individuals who want to develop real consulting and research expertise. If you are willing to commit your time and effort to do lasting and important work while building on your natural strengths, we want to hear from you! No research experience or expertise is required. What is needed is a desire for meaningful work, an open mind, a passion for learning, self-discipline and responsibility. AppRISE workshops will hone your skills. Our workshops include, but are not limited to: finding and using your strengths; thinking creatively; hypothesis development; various data methodologies; interpreting research findings; spreadsheet shortcuts; Python and R coding; using SAS Vaya.