Hello,

My name is Liv Janes, and I am a senior at the University of Pittsburgh, pursuing a degree in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations. I am originally from Ross County, Ohio, located in the southern part of the state, a region that is deeply tied to my Appalachian heritage. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking and taking long walks to relax and reflect. This summer, I am excited to be embarking on the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage spanning nearly 500 miles along the Spanish coast. Although my roots are in rural Ohio, I’ve had the opportunity to spend a lot of time in southern Sweden, as my mother is from there, and I speak the language fluently. Along with celebrating my Appalachian heritage, I take great pride in participating in events that honor my Swedish roots—many of which are held at the University of Pittsburgh—and I encourage others to explore them if interested.

In this post, I’ve deliberately chosen to use the word “our” when discussing Appalachia. You may wonder why I’ve done this, especially if you do not consider yourself to be from the region. However, Appalachia is our region. You may be thinking, “Well, I’m not from Appalachia, so how could this be our region?” But if you attend the University of Pittsburgh, you are living in the largest city in Appalachia, which is often referred to as the “Paris of Appalachia.” We all contribute to this region, whether through our studies, work, or community involvement, and we should take pride in where we live and attend school. I chose to join the Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative (ACRI) because I love Appalachia and want to be part of the effort to create a more economically stable and prosperous region.

As a senior graduating this year, I am currently in the process of applying to law schools. One of my greatest aspirations is to be a voice for forgotten regions like Appalachia within the academic world and beyond. My goal is to continue working within Appalachia, giving back to the community, and fostering a better public perception of our beautiful region. Having grown up in rural Appalachia, I have a deep connection to the land and the people, and I am passionate about helping the region not only survive but thrive.

Why should we care about Appalachia? Appalachia is a region that is often overlooked and forgotten. Although it has become a talking point in the upcoming election cycle, it is far more than just a political buzzword. Appalachia is a place with a deep and rich history, an intense sense of community, and a strong cultural identity that is rooted in traditions such as music, storytelling, and craftsmanship. For many years, Appalachia has suffered due to the economic exploitation of its natural resources, especially coal. The decline of the coal industry left the region impoverished and underdeveloped. In addition to the economic downturn, Appalachia has faced systemic neglect in critical areas like infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

However, Appalachia is currently making a comeback, and this transformation is fueled by a focus on sustainable tourism, local entrepreneurship, and small business development, all of which are helping to bolster local economies. Additionally, the region is turning to renewable energy projects to create new opportunities. Grassroots organizations and community leaders are working hard to guide public attention to rural development, and these efforts are helping to improve education, healthcare, and job prospects for Appalachia’s residents. With this revitalization, Appalachia is truly on the rise, and the work being done by initiatives like ACRI plays a vital role in ensuring the region’s long-term success.

Now, what exactly is the Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative (ACRI)? Managed by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), ACRI has been in operation since 2001 and involves the participation of more than 34 colleges and universities across the region. ACRI’s mission is to engage students in applied research projects that are aimed at supporting economic development and revitalizing the Appalachian region. The initiative helps to strengthen community assets, such as small businesses, and encourages innovative solutions to local challenges. Through ACRI, students not only contribute to economic development but also gain hands-on experience in research and community engagement. This experience is invaluable as it allows students to work closely with local organizations, community leaders, and residents.

Additionally, ACRI provides access to six-week college courses and seminars on a variety of topics, which help to further the education and skills of the people of Appalachia. The primary beneficiaries of the Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative are the residents of Appalachia who are looking to enhance their communities, as well as the college students who are conducting research that directly benefits the region. The work done through ACRI is critical in helping to involve students in the future of Appalachia and in creating plans to ensure the region’s economic health and the preservation of its cultural and natural assets.

For me, participating in ACRI represents a unique opportunity to learn more about the needs and desires of the communities surrounding the University of Pittsburgh, and how we as students can help meet those goals. I hope to gain valuable insights from this project that will guide my future efforts in giving back to Appalachia and helping to create a more vibrant and prosperous future for the region.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, and I hope this inspires you to learn more about Appalachia and become involved in making a positive impact on the region.

Best regards,

Liv Janes