My name is Andrew Weiss (he/him) and I am a fourth-year student studying political science with minors in public policy and theatre arts. I transferred to the University of Pittsburgh in fall 2024 after I completed a year of service with AmeriCorps NCCC during which I became interested in the political and policy issues that…
Tag: ACRI
ACRI: Intro
My name is Aubrey Baumiller, and I am a second-year in the School of Business. I am double majoring in Accounting and Marketing on a Pre-Law track as I plan to go to law school post-graduation. Something unique about me is that I am a fourth-generation Pitt student. This year, for the ACRI project, we…
ACRI Project Introduction
Hello! My name is Max Krajnikovich and I am a Junior majoring in Finance, Business Information Systems, and Supply Chain Management. I am a member of Phi Beta Lambda, and also intend to study abroad in Spring of 2027 in London interning at a company related to my finance background. When I return to the…
Listening Before Leading: ACRI, DC Presentation
Early this December (2025), my team and I found ourselves in the heart of DC, awaiting to present our findings and recommendations for Fayette County to the funders, external stakeholders, and other participants of the Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative (ACRI). The Annual ACRI Conference, hosted by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and East Tennessee State…
Grappling with Anxiety, Fear, and Pride: ACRI, Connellsville Presentation
The Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative presentation in Connellsville this past November (2025) served as a vessel for many firsts for me, and presumably for some of my colleagues. Until now, I’ve never had the opportunity or privilege to stand before a room full of relevant stakeholders and present to them findings and recommendations pertaining to…
What’s in Store for Social Capital?: ACRI, 1st Visit
Our first opportunity to hit the ground in Fayette County was nothing short of informative and a little eye-opening, to say the least. My peers and I were received with incredible hospitality at the Touchstone Center for Crafts, nestled inside Farmington’s woods. The location itself is a nifty, unique residency and center for the arts,…
Adventures in Fayette County
On October 3rd through October 5th, I embarked on an adventure with The University of Pittsburgh’s Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative (ACRI) cohort to Fayette County, Pennsylvania. This trip is part of the ongoing 10-year commitment and collaboration between the University of Pittsburgh and the Fayette County Cultural Trust. I was particularly excited about this trip,…
Fayette County: A Neighbor a World Away – Final Reflections
At the beginning of the Fall semester of 2024, I was presented with an incredible opportunity to deepen my knowledge about Appalachia through a unique learning experience that integrated academic study with practical community involvement. This initiative was made possible through an inspiring collaboration between the University of Pittsburgh and the Fayette County Cultural Trust….
Our Commitment to the Community: Fayette County Presentation
Friday December 6th, 2025, The University of Pittsburgh’s Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative (ACRI) cohort comprised of (Urban Studies, Sustainability, Political Science and Business) returned to Fayette County to present our final deliverables to the community. In our continued partnership with the Fayette Country Cultural Trust, these findings we presented to the community members as well…
ACRI – Final Thoughts
Overview When I first heard about the Appalachia Regional Resilience Consulting Project, I was especially interested because of my personal connection to the area. While I am not from a small town myself, my parents come from a small town in North Carolina. Earlier in their professional careers, they ended up moving to the Philadelphia…