Participating units reflected the breadth of our interdisciplinary reach, including the College for Education and Engaged Learning; Sprague Library, including Special Collections; Justice Studies and the Global Center on Human Trafficking; Economics; the Office for Faculty Excellence; and the Center for Strategic Communication in the College of Communication and Media. We were also pleased to welcome strong participation from Bloomfield College, including representatives from Religious Studies, Humanities, Applied Linguistics, and programs spanning data and computer science, communications, and business, along with leadership from the Office of the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.

Together, these contributions created a dynamic space for conversation, connection, and collaboration鈥攁n event whose energy and engagement signal the continued promise of the School for Interdisciplinary Studies to grow and to advance the university鈥檚 broader vision for innovative, cross-disciplinary education and impact.

The showcase features 13 presentations spanning the humanities, social sciences, communication, education and business. Projects examine issues such as equity and inclusion, economic inequality, human trafficking, and community well-being, alongside interdisciplinary work in media, culture, and religion. Presentations also highlight collaborations that use data analysis, advocacy, and community engagement to better understand and respond to complex social challenges.

Each project highlights how interdisciplinary collaboration fosters new insights, community partnerships, and real-world impact. From community-engaged research to program design and creative pedagogy, the presentations demonstrate how scholars and students expand the boundaries of traditional disciplines to address complex challenges.

The Interdisciplinary Showcase invites colleagues from across the university to explore ideas, connect with peers, and spark new collaborations that advance 麻豆传媒在线鈥檚 mission of inclusive innovation.

The showcase features 13 presentations spanning the humanities, social sciences, education, business, and STEM. Projects include accessible audio description for Spanish-speaking audiences, digital mapping of climate justice, narrative medicine collaborations, sustainability internships, multilingual literacy initiatives, and Indigenous-centered approaches to education and justice.

Each project highlights how interdisciplinary collaboration fosters new insights, community partnerships, and real-world impact. From community-engaged research to program design and creative pedagogy, the presentations demonstrate how scholars and students are expanding the boundaries of traditional disciplines to address complex challenges.

The Interdisciplinary Showcase invites colleagues from across the university to explore ideas, connect with peers, and spark new collaborations that advance 麻豆传媒在线鈥檚 mission of inclusive innovation.

Light refreshments will be served.

The University announced today the launch of the School, which will be housed in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and connect all disciplines across the University.

The School will place students at the heart of solving society鈥檚 biggest challenges through interdisciplinary educational programs, collaborative research and scholarship and partnership with the community.

鈥淩eal problems are never one-dimensional,鈥� says Laura Nicosia, interim director of the Interdisciplinary School for Social Transformation. 鈥淥ur students learn to approach challenges from multiple angles, developing the adaptability and innovation that today鈥檚 world demands.鈥�

What Does 鈥業nterdisciplinary鈥� Mean?

The School鈥檚 inception was motivated by the fact that the biggest problems we face 鈥� and the most transformational innovations 鈥� defy the boundaries of traditional academic disciplines.

Coursework in the new School will prepare students to thrive and succeed in a rapidly changing world, drawing on mental models, perspectives and methods from more than one discipline 鈥� or 鈥渋nterdisciplinary curriculum鈥� 鈥� at the institution.

The Interdisciplinary School for Social Transformation is for students who are curious, creative and eager to explore big questions and complex challenges while tapping into a variety of disciplinary areas. 鈥淭he new school will further stimulate existing interdisciplinary programs and initiatives and inspire new ones across the university,鈥� states Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Fatma Mili.

The goal is to educate students who will graduate with a well-rounded, adaptable skill set designed to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving workforce and who are ready to make an impact in fields including public policy, healthcare administration, nonprofit leadership, digital communications, wellness advocacy, education and user experience design.

鈥淥ur students will graduate ready to lead with purpose, empathy and vision,鈥� says Nicosia. 鈥淏y learning to address societal challenges at their roots, they gain the adaptability and problem-solving skills that prepare them for success in careers wherever innovation and leadership are needed.鈥�

Building a Better Future Through Academic Programs

The School unveiled an updated Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies program in the spring of 2025, which is designed to prepare students for a lifetime of professional and intellectual flexibility.

Faculty from disciplines across 麻豆传媒在线 will collaborate to create and deliver coursework in one of three concentrations:

• will focus on the intersection of health sciences and societal well-being to address topics like nutrition, public health and wellness promotion. Students will learn to develop and implement health initiatives, preparing for roles in healthcare, community health and wellness coaching.
• will allow students to explore subjects such as digital culture, ethics in technology and the psychological effects of technological advancement. Graduates will be equipped to navigate and influence the evolving digital landscape in fields like tech policy, user experience design and digital communications.
• will allow students to engage with various social and human topics such as justice, ethics, and human rights, preparing for careers in public service, advocacy, prelaw, and community engagement.

In addition, the School鈥檚 new , launching in September, will give students the chance to earn a credential while taking 13 credits 鈥� three of which will be a field internship 鈥� to learn how to make a difference in the world.

鈥淭he Interdisciplinary School for Social Transformation will ignite imaginations, further stimulate interdisciplinary innovation, promote future forward thinking and create lasting transformational impact on people and society,鈥� says Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Junius Gonzales.