Interdisciplinarity as Scholarly Practice: Part 2. Building a Collaborative Multi-Institutional Interdisciplinary Research Team

Join us for the second panel in our series, Interdisciplinarity as Scholarly Practice. In this session, Professor Kristen Sanford (Associate Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Lafayette College) and Professor Frederick Paige (Assistant Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering and Director of the Virginia Center for Housing Research, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University) will share insights from their NSF-funded project focused on creating a faculty community of practice to transform the way engineering education approaches diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. To help them build the capacity of their geographically dispersed research team (Lafayette College, Virginia Tech, Univ. Wisconsin-Platteville, and Colorado State University) they’ve collaborated with the Institute for Research in the Social Sciences (IRISS) at Colorado State University (CSU). Professors Sanford and Paige will discuss key lessons learned in cultivating an interdisciplinary research team—highlighting the importance of valuing each other’s expertise, collaborative writing, and fostering a culture of confidence, inspiration, and respect. They will also address strategies for improving role clarity and communication. Attendees will leave with practical insights on building successful interdisciplinary partnerships and understanding how this multi-institutional collaboration has enriched Professors Sanford and Paige’s growth as scholars. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with these faculty on their innovative practices that foster interdisciplinary research collaboration!

Appetizers and refreshments will be served.