About the event
Analyzing Knowledge Integration in Convergence Research
Wednesday, January 14, 2026 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM (ET)
Abstract:
How might researchers charged with leading convergence research better plan, design, implement, and evaluate the integrative processes and products of their research? In this talk, Dr. Shalini Misra will: (1) present an analytical framework to examine knowledge integration processes and products; (2) describe how her team applied the framework to assess knowledge integration processes and products during the first two years of a five-year National Science Foundation Growing Convergence Research (GCR) project using a self-evaluation approach; and (3) consider the efficacy of the various knowledge integration approaches used in the GCR project and share empirically derived recommendations for designing, implementing, and evaluating convergence research. These findings and lessons provide researchers at the helm of large-scale convergence research projects guidance on: (1) the planning and designing of projects with the explicit goal of knowledge integration; (2) the selection and implementation of appropriate knowledge integration approaches and tools; and (3) how knowledge integration can be conceptualized and evaluated.
Speaker’s Bio:
Shalini Misra, PhD
Associate Professor, School of Public and International Affairs
Virginia Tech
Arlington, VA
Shalini Misra is an Associate Professor in the School of Public and International Affairs at Virginia Tech. Her research focuses on the social, psychological, and cultural implications of emerging digital technologies; and the study of the collaborative processes and outcomes of cross-disciplinary and crosssectoral research initiatives. She is an interdisciplinarian by training with a PhD in Planning, Policy, and Design from the University of California, Irvine; a Master of Science degree in Sustainable Resource Management from the Technical University of Munich, Germany; and Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering from Gujarat University, India. She also is a trained Hindustani classical vocalist.
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Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed by guest speaker(s) are those of the speaker(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. National Science Foundation.