2019: The Institute conducted a market study among Wilkes students to identify housing needs, amenities, and price points using a mixed methods approach. The Institute evaluated the student housing supply from private sector property owners and compared it to student demand and finally, developed recommendations to enhance university housing.
2013 – 2019: A series of surveys was conducted over the course of several years – 2013, 2017, 2018, and 2019 – to gain enhanced understanding of the reasons prospective students opted not to attend Wilkes University. The Institute asked respondents what they looked for in a school, and how the college either surpassed expectations or fell short of them. The results, which were largely consistent over the years, were used to better market Wilkes University’s strengths to potential enrollees. In May 2019, the research team also produced a housing study on behalf of Wilkes University. Through surveys and focus groups, students and landlords shared feedback that helped University leaders better understand perceptions and decisions surrounding certain housing types, amenities, and policies. This research contributes to improved living opportunities for current and future students.
May 2015: The Institute used multiplier modeling to assess the economic impact of the university through operations, faculty, staff, student, and visitor spending. The Institute measured impact in terms of job creation and earnings throughout the city, county, and state.
January 2015: The Institute oversaw the deployment and collection of two surveys that gathered information which helped ensure the longevity and success of family firms in Northeastern Pennsylvania and explored the entrepreneurial communities.
December 2012: The Institute produced a series of white papers over a two year span on the history of Marcellus Shale, uses and demand of natural gas, and policy statements on a variety of Marcellus Shale implications.
Dr. Jolene Carey-Pace joined The Institute Team in 2021 as a Research Analyst. In 2023, she was named Senior Research & Policy Analyst. 
Sarah, a former Institute intern, joined The Institute in April 2021 as a Research Assistant. She started her new role as a Research Analyst in January 2024. 
Ooms is responsible for all facets of research, organizational strategy, and management. Ooms is an active principal investigator in all Institute research. Ooms has been nationally recognized as a leader in regional economic development. She turned that skill into a research institute to help other regions develop and prosper. Her strategic skills have allowed The Institute to expand its services to the private and non-profit sectors for research and analysis in community health needs assessments, strategic planning, market and feasibility studies, and economic impact analysis.
Jill Avery-Stoss joined The Institute in June 2018 to fill the newly-created role of Research, Data, Intern & Administrative Coordinator. She assists with the collection and management of data for purposes of ethical and efficient analysis. She visits partner campuses to market The Institute’s internship opportunities, and participates in event-planning logistical activities as well. In 2021, Jill was promoted to Director of Operations to reflect the diversity in her job description and the additional marketing and communication functions she successfully mastered in 2020. In 2022, Jill was named Chief Operating Officer after expanding into both research and administrative management functions. Jill is taking on project management, fundraising, and other executive leadership functions of the organization. In 2024, Jill Avery-Stoss assumed the role of President of The Institute, effective January 2025.