The Appalachian Institute promotes and facilitates research on contemporary Appalachian issues. Current research areas include: environmental and public health consequences of unconventional natural gas drilling (fracking), sustainability, healthy eating, and economic justice.

Past research projects by Faculty and Students of Wheeling Jesuit University include:

• The Relationship of Manganese in the Drinking Water of Southern West Virginia to the Surface Enamel of the Tooth, by Christina Crowley and Dr. Mary Railing

• Water Quality in Southern West Virginia Communities Adjacent to Mountaintop Removal Sites, by Zachary Birchard and Dr. Ben Stout

• Respiratory Effects in Children of Marsh Fork Elementary School from Mountaintop Removal Coal Mining, by Amy Knuth and Dr. Mary Beth Emmerth

• Are the Coal Miners of Boone County Receiving Adequate Health Care?, by Brianna Clark and Dr. David R. Hanna

• The Role of Emotional Energy in the Struggle of Southern West Virginians Living Adjacent to Mountain Top Removal Sites, by Dr. Robert F. George.

For more information about Research in Appalachia read: Research in Appalachia: What Are The Impacts of Mining The Mountains?