The talk will be held virtually via Zoom and in-person at 107 Norman Smith Hall, UMaine, Orono.
- Virtual attendance: Complete the registration form for Zoom connection information
Speaker: Karen Hutchins Bieluch, Transdisciplinary Research Strategist, Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions, University of Maine
Bringing together people from different disciplines, organizations, and life experiences to learn, conduct research, and develop solutions is both rewarding and challenging. We often begin this work with subject matter expertise and a deep commitment to our projects and partners. Yet most of us have little formal training in how to collaborate effectively, engage across boundaries, or lead diverse teams. Thus, often, we are learning these skills as we are doing the work.
In this talk, Dr. Karen Bieluch will highlight key features of transdisciplinary practice and discuss approaches and challenges to transdisciplinarity through her work with research teams. She will also invite participants to explore a new resource guide to identify practical tips and techniques to strengthen their own work. Designing Inspiring Workshops & Courses in Transdisciplinarity – A Guide provides research- and practice-based guidance on building collaborations to address complex problems.
Dr. Karen Hutchins Bieluch is the transdisciplinary research strategist at UMaine’s Mitchell Center, the Practice-Based Learning Specialist in the Dept. of Environmental Studies at Dartmouth College, and a program evaluation consultant. She specializes in community–university partnerships, group communication and collaboration, and program evaluation, and was selected by leaders at Stanford University as one of 12 North American researchers to participate in an innovative “Train-the-Trainer” program for transdisciplinary researchers. Karen earned her interdisciplinary Ph.D. at UMaine and was a graduate research assistant with the Mitchell Center’s Sustainability Solutions Initiative, where she developed a commitment to connecting the wealth of resources of community partners and universities to address sustainability challenges.
