Name: Trisha Phillips
Title/Organization: Associate Professor, Department of Political Science; Director of Research Integrity, Office of Research; West Virginia University
APPE Member Since: 2013

You are the current chair of the APPE RISE consortium. For those who are unfamiliar with APPE RISE, tell us what it is.
APPE RISE is the special interest group within APPE for research integrity scholars and educators (RISE). The group has been in existence, in one form or another, for more than 20 years, and took the name APPE RISE in 2019 and is now a signature program of the association. We are members of APPE who share a common interest in research integrity and the responsible conduct of research. Most of us hold professional positions with responsibilities to promote research integrity and the responsible conduct of research through educational activities or scholarly research, and many of us do both. Our focus on education and scholarship reflects the broader APPE community, while making us unique in the world of research integrity where other professional organizations focus more on compliance and investigations.

Tell us a little bit about the APPE RISE Pre-Conference session, scheduled for Feb. 20, 2025 in Norfolk. What can attendees expect? Who should attend?
Every year APPE RISE holds an event on Thursday before the main conference begins. Depending on our needs and interests, this event can include invited or peer reviewed speakers, workshops, pedagogical demonstrations, or presentations of research. This year’s agenda is an exciting lineup of peer reviewed presentations on topics that range from restorative justice in research integrity to encouraging faculty involvement in RCR training. In addition to the thought-provoking presentations, we provide lunch and networking opportunities. We are a social group and enjoy this opportunity to connect before heading into the hustle and bustle of the main conference.

You fulfilled a really unique position at APPE during a time of need. Can you tell us a little bit about the role you played, why you stepped up, and how it may have changed the way you think of APPE?
In 2017 APPE made some big changes in terms of leadership, institutional affiliation, and physical location. Stuart Yoak retired after six years of service as our Executive Director, and the organization ended our 25-year affiliation with Indiana University and moved to the Prindle Institute for Ethics at DePauw University. APPE was also struggling financially, as were many professional organizations with business models based primarily on membership and conference revenue. As a member of the Executive Board, I volunteered to serve as Interim Executive Director while the board sought to stabilize the organization and search for new leadership. Working with Beth Works, APPE’s Assistant Director, and Gillian Beach, my graduate assistant, we developed a membership survey, automated and modernized some processes, strengthened outreach efforts, and developed new revenue streams through sponsorships. I stepped into the role because I love the organization and the unique role it plays in many members’ personal and professional lives, and it was so encouraging to see the love and support from the membership and community. We worked hard, and the organization had a good year. The next few years were still a bit bumpy, but strong leadership from the Executive Board, Patti Stauffer, Kristen Fuhs Wells, and continued support from the membership and community have the future looking bright.

What's on the horizon for 2025? What are you looking forward to, personally or professionally?
2025 is looking to be a big year, both personally and professionally. On the personal side, my oldest child is heading to college, which is exciting and an opportunity for both of us to grow. In fact, I’m hoping I can start playing tennis again. As a former college athlete, that’s a part of my identity that got sidelined as a working mother. Professionally, it’s also going to be a year of change and growth. I recently assumed the role of Research Integrity Officer for my university, which brings both challenge and opportunity. For the past five years I’ve been the Director of Research Integrity and leading the institution’s efforts to promote research integrity, and now I’m working both sides of the ball, so to speak, by leading the institution’s response to allegations of research misconduct. The learning curve has been steep but also interesting. I’ve always enjoyed the way in which my administrative work inspires my research, and my research informs my administrative work, so I’m eager to see how this new administrative responsibility will shape my professional growth.