Academia + Practice = Knowledge: A Research Collaboration Primer - 1.25 PDH (LA CES/non-HSW)

Recorded On: 10/12/2025

Academics and practitioners must join forces for research collaborations that create new knowledge to address the pressing issues of our time. However, challenges can arise due to differing terminology, drivers, and approaches. Three panelists who work across boundaries share actionable advice for effective research partnerships across academia and practice.

Learning objectives:

Understand how the collaborative pursuit of research projects can benefit both practitioners and academics.
List approaches and strategies that are most likely to result in a successful outcome for a research collaboration.
Understand the varying perspectives and needs of academics and practitioners when approaching a research question or project.
Learn to collaboratively frame a research idea or proposal and how to seek funding.

Megan Barnes, ASLA

Senior Program Manager

Landscape Architecture Foundation

As Senior Program Manager for Research, Megan Barnes manages the Landscape Architecture Foundation's Case Study Investigation (CSI) program, Deb Mitchell Research Grant, and Landscape Performance Series initiatives. She also managed the Green New Deal Superstudio initiative (2020-2022). Her expertise is in landscape performance and the relationship between research and professional practice in landscape architecture, topics on which she lectures widely. Megan has a Master of Landscape Architecture from the University of Michigan’s School of Natural Resources and Environment.

Emily R. McCoy, FASLA, SITES AP

Principal

Design Workshop

Emily is an Associate Professor of Practice at North Carolina State University and Principal at Design Workshop. As a landscape architect, educator and ecologist, Emily approaches every project as an opportunity to celebrate the intersection of natural and cultural narratives of place through design and innovative technologies. Throughout her career Emily has remained passionate about her service to the community. She serves as the VP of Research and on the Board of Directors for LAF, on the NC A&T University’s Landscape Architecture Advisory Board and the Board of Trustees for the Design Workshop Foundation.

Lisa DuRussel, ASLA, PLA, LEED AP

Assistant Professor of Practice in Landscape Architecture

University of Michigan

Lisa DuRussel, RLA, LEED AP, ASLA has a unique background as an educator, landscape architect, urban ecologist, builder and design activist. Her nearly 20 years of experience has resulted in a progressive landscape design portfolio of professional work, creative inquiry into ecology + design, a flexibility in teaching interests and enthusiasm for transdisciplinary collaboration within the academy and the profession. Her desire to teach was born from an interest to create a stronger connection between theory and practice. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Practice at the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS).