2021-2023- The Institute worked on two separate ARC Inspire projects – Favor Western PA and Inspire at The Wright Center. Both entities worked to improve employment prospects of individuals in recovery, educate employers on recovery resources, and reduce the stigma surrounding individuals in recovery.
2020- The Institute conducted an assessment of basic agency services programs across Appalachia that explored processes, costs, and outcomes to identify the best model for construction project management. The analysis compared the performance of state and federal basic agencies, offered insight into potential gaps, and provided recommendations for operational efficiencies and effectiveness.
2019- The Institute completed an assessment of the Basic Agency Services programs across Appalachia. Processes, costs, and outcomes comprised the analysis. The Institute prepared recommendations for operational efficiencies and effectiveness.
2011- The Institute collected primary and secondary data which related to housing affordability and availability (purchase and rental) in 12 shale counties in Pennsylvania. The report included policy recommendations to mitigate current and future issues.
2010-The Institute collected information on the current social, economic, and policy conditions of Appalachian counties located in the Marcellus Shale were compiled through a survey process to households located in the shale region. The survey focused on demographic, social, economic, and policy conditions. Interviews were conducted with government officials, economic development officials and landowners in Texas and Arkansas to review best practices and lessons learned from the shale extraction in these states over the last two decades. Additional interviews were conducted in designated shale counties in Pennsylvania to analyze economic conditions prior to extraction in those counties.
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.