Dr. David Marlett, professor in App State’s Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance, discusses rising insurance costs over the past several years and whether homeowners could see rates stabilize or decrease following lower disaster costs in 2025. Marlett notes that in a highly competitive market, insurers may lower premiums to gain market share.

Dr. Shishir Shakya, assistant professor in App State’s Department of Economics, writes about his AI chatbot “Macro Buddy,” designed to help students as a tutor or study partner rather than an answer generator. His collaborative research found that students who used Macro Buddy alongside peer discussion earned higher exam scores than those who studied alone.

In this episode of “On the Ground,” Business North Carolina visits App State to explore how NCInnovation is turning university research into real-world solutions. The episode features interviews with Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation Christine Hendren, Dr. Zach Russell and Dr. Gavin Colquitt of App State, along with NCInnovation staff and board member and former state Sen. Deanna Ballard. NCInnovation funding is supporting the commercial development of an AI-powered agricultural microscope developed by Russell and an interactive digital tool for children with developmental delays, led by Colquitt.

In this episode of PBS North Carolina’s “Focus On” series, App State Chancellor Heather Norris discusses the university’s recent growth, highlights and challenges. She reflects on guiding the university through the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Helene, the impact of research, the rise of AI and more.

The Boone Area Chamber of Commerce announced App State as the recipient of its 2025 Large Business of the Year award, recognizing a milestone year that included the appointment and installation of Chancellor Heather Norris, the university’s designation as a Research 2 institution and its continued contributions to the local economy.

In this Q&A, Erik Martella, a wine specialist and lecturer in App State’s Department of Chemistry and Fermentation Sciences, discusses the Wine and Fine Dining for Emerging Professionals Program — a two-day immersive initiative he created at the university. Martella reflects on what motivated the program, what today’s students are seeking from wine experiences, and how innovation in education and American viticulture can help shape a more engaged wine culture for the next generation.

The North Carolina magazine features App State alumna Julia Castellano ’15, owner of Little Loaf Bakery & Schoolhouse in Wilmington, where she blends baking and teaching through classes and collaborations with local makers. Castellano studied French and teaching English as a second language at App State and discovered her passion for baking while teaching English in a small Argentinian village.

Dr. Hannah Holmes, clinical assistant professor in App State’s Department of Psychology, breaks down the anatomy, function and impact of the vagus nerve. She explores how vagal pathways support heart rate, digestion and emotional regulation, why the vagus nerve is central to stress recovery and overall well-being, and the bidirectional signals that link physical states and psychological experience.

In this video feature, App State’s Kidd Brewer Stadium is spotlighted as one of the best small college football stadiums in the nation. Former Mountaineer players and alumni Larry Hand ’64 and Tommy Sofield ’76 share what makes App State a special place to play — and how the campus and Boone community elevate the football experience.