Camelia Kantor, associate director of strategic initiatives at the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences and associate research professor at Penn State, will give the talk, "Bridging Worlds: How Geography and Nematology Research Converge Through Stakeholder Input," at 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 24, in 112 Walker Building at Penn State University Park. Talk will also be available via Zoom.
"At first glance, geography and nematology seem like distant fields," Kantor said. "Yet, through the lens of epidemiology and environmental science, unexpected connections emerge. Nematodes, the most abundant animals on Earth, inhabit virtually every ecosystem, from deep oceans to forest canopies, their dispersal shaped by both biotic and abiotic forces. This brings geography into the picture, revealing patterns of movement and impact that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries. But uncovering these connections requires curiosity, an open mind, and a willingness to step beyond conventional research silos."
Kantor's talk will explore the journey of an unconventional, cross-disciplinary collaboration where stakeholder engagement plays a crucial role in validating scientific discovery and real-world impact. She will share case studies on dahlia flower research and beech leaf disease, two issues of pressing concern due to the destructive role of nematodes, and illustrate how researchers, farmers, government agencies and forestry and landscaping professionals found common ground to tackle these challenges. Through these examples, she will share insights into effective strategies for engaging multiple stakeholders, building lasting partnerships and maintaining momentum in community-centered research.
Kantor has more than 15 years of experience in strategic planning and leadership across higher education, government and industry. She has facilitated results-driven research initiatives that led to successful cross-disciplinary collaborations resulting in more than $30 million in extramural funding. Kantor holds a doctorate in geography from Babes-Bolyai University in Romania and an MBA from Claflin University.
