Susan Gardner

Associate Professor, Higher Education
University of Maine

What problem/s are you working to solve?
I’m trying to understand the best practices of working toward interdisciplinary research, including how people come to understand it and the institutional practices that foster it.

What progress are you making toward solutions?
Each year, a little more is understood as SSI goes through its own process. For example, faculty have discussed how much more difficult interdisciplinary research is than they originally thought. They realize now how much more time it takes to engage appropriately in this kind of research.

Why did you decide to join SSI?
I am fascinated by disciplinary cultures and understandings as well as organizational dynamics in higher education institutions. The ability to work with amazing faculty and see doctoral students navigating this experience was just too good to pass up!

What’s the best part about collaborating on SSI research projects?
Learning about other disciplinary ways of thinking.

Where’s your favorite place in Maine?
There’s a great little park in Searsport right on the water that few people visit, but I love to take a picnic, a blanket, my iPod and some reading and just relax for a long while.

What’s your ultimate Maine experience?
Winter.

Mud season survival strategy?
Waiting for the crocuses and daffodils to emerge.

What sustains you?
My partner, my friendships, my students, and my own values.

Additional information about Susan and her team