The Synergy Evaluation Institute evolved from the National Institute for STEM Evaluation and Research (NISER), an applied research and evaluation center that specialized in STEM. Founded by Pamela Bishop and Sondra LoRe in 2016, NISER was supported by funding for projects at the University of Tennessee as well as the University of Pittsburgh, College of William and Mary, Radford University, Northern Arizona University, University of Memphis, and Georgia Institute of Technology.
In 2023, the NISER staff team, under the leadership of Elizabeth Oyer, engaged in important strategic planning to “re-align” with the Institute’s emerging and evolving mission and vision. As we surveyed the landscape of our current clients, the needs of the sector, new business relationships, and our place in the University, regional, national, and international landscapes, we made the decision to update our branding to reflect our identity as the Synergy Evaluation Institute.
Synergy is grateful for the outstanding foundation of excellence established by the founders, the prior and current partners, and the generous support of the National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS) and the University of Tennessee Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development (ORIED).