Camelia 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.