Abstract:
“At first glance, geography and nematology seem like distant fields. 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. This talk will explore the journey of an unconventional, cross-disciplinary collaboration where stakeholder engagement plays a crucial role in ground-truthing scientific discovery and real-world impact. Kantor 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, attendees will gain insights into effective strategies for engaging multiple stakeholders, building lasting partnerships, and maintaining momentum in community-centered research.”
Bio:
Kantor, Associate Director for Strategic Initiatives at the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences and Associate Research Professor, brings over 15 years of experience in strategic planning and leadership across higher education, government, and industry. Highly experienced in fostering collaborative research and training environments, she excels at uniting multidisciplinary teams to find common ground and design and implement strategically positioned initiatives that drive impactful outcomes. With a deep understanding of group dynamics and an adaptive approach to change, Kantor has facilitated results-driven research initiatives that led to successful cross-disciplinary collaborations resulting in over $30 million in extramural funding. Her fresh perspective, innovative mindset, and enthusiasm have inspired creativity, making strategic planning for complex projects not just effective but an engaging and transformative experience for the stakeholders.