Lehigh Valley Research Consortium

The Lehigh Valley Research Consortium (LVRC) combines the expertise of researchers from institutions of higher education and community partners in the Lehigh Valley to examine various issues (e.g., political, economic, social, health and environmental) and solutions in a regional context. Through its efforts, the LVRC functions as a community-based information resource for Lehigh Valley governments, non-profits, and citizens concerned with the overall quality of life in the region.

This level of collaborative spirit makes the LVRC unique among consortia. Faculty, working across disciplines and campuses, create community-focused reports to help inform policy decisions. This research provides the opportunity to engage students in applied research projects both inside and outside of the classroom.

Recognizing the growing regional identity of the Lehigh Valley and the interdependence of people, organizations and markets, the LVRC serves as a resource to improve the lives of residents of Lehigh and Northampton Counties. Because many problems and issues appear local but affect the wider region, LVRC activities examine political, economic, social, health, and environmental issues and solutions in a regional context. The cross-institutional collaboration of the LVRC also provides an opportunity to enhance the quality of college classroom teaching by providing access to better data, more resources in the form of improved student research assistantships, faculty awards for local research projects, and by bringing together faculty members with similar areas of specialty to focus on regional topics.

Ongoing Initiatives:

• Research and Teaching

• Community Outreach

The LVRC provides undergraduate and graduate students the chance for hands-on research experience in ongoing studies and enhances opportunities for both interdisciplinary and cross-institutional collaboration. LVRC serves as a connection point among faculty members of multiple institutions that may share similar research interests with no vehicles for collaboration on local projects. University participation in local issues also creates possibilities for community members to build relations with faculty and participate in LVRC events held on local college campuses, while also providing opportunities for academics to get involved in community agencies and events.

For more information, contact Christine Carpino, Ph.D., LVRC Director, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Cedar Crest College, carpinoc@lvaic.org.