The CAPS 3^rd Annual Winter Retreat garnered a huge crowd, maxing out the Salt Fork Lodge and Conference Center in Cambridge, Ohio on December 12-14, 2014. Four Colleges (Engineering, ASC, FAES and COM) were represented by 37 faculty, 10 postdoctoral researchers, 22 graduate students, 9 staff and 5 special guests. Spouses and children were also in attendance, taking full advantage of the state park’s scenery and amenities.

A symposium of 36 posters kicked off the weekend, exhibiting Team research, facilities & initiatives as well as the Translational Plant Sciences Graduate Program and Dual Degree. Much buzz surrounded the posters of our two new Teams: CMAP: Conversion of Greenhouse Gases into High Value Materials & TIRE: Overcoming barriers to establishing a viable rubber crop for Ohio farmers.

Erich Grotewold, CAPS Director, summarized CAPS Year 3 with major talking points focused on new Team creation, funding recognition, I/UCRC planning, CAPS 2.0, administrative support and financials. John Cabra, KnowInnovation Facilitator and Buffalo State faculty, presented on Appreciative Inquiry and how using it can foster scientific team health.

Day two was jam packed with KnowInnovation synergy building, Team research presentations and a talk by Dean David Manderscheid and Dean Christopher Hadad, who spoke on CAPS from an OSU perspective, making a strong link between the CAPS mission and the university’s Discovery Themes. The weekend was rounded out with closing remarks given by Erich Grotewold and a group bonfire to boot.

A sincerest thank you from CAPS to all participants who took time out of their busy office and holiday schedules to invest in the growth of the center.