President Ferguson to Introduce First in UMaine Research Workshop Series
University of Maine President Paul Ferguson will lead off the first in a series of interdisciplinary research workshops of the 2011-2012 academic year on Friday, Sept. 9 from 12-1:30 p.m. in the Bangor Room of the Memorial Union.
Members of the UMaine and surrounding communities and campuses are invited to attend. The Interdisciplinary Research Workshop Series is an eight-session series of interactive discussions designed to build, support and grow UMaine’s interdisciplinary research strength.
Goals include promoting interdisciplinary research on campus and highlighting new research opportunities; supporting campus-wide education to share experiences and strength across multiple research arenas and themes; creating new opportunities to network across disciplines; and enhancing UMaine’s ability to garner interdisciplinary research funding from a variety of sources.
UMaine President Ferguson will offer introductory remarks to open the first session, titled “Challenges to Interdisciplinary Research and Lessons Learned.” Session panelists include Susan Gardner, associate professor of higher education; Teresa Johnson, assistant professor of marine policy; Owen Smith, art professor and director of the Intermedia Master of Fine Arts program; Hemant Pendse, chair of the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering; Liam Riordan, associate professor of history; and Gayle Zydlewski of the School of Marine Sciences. Paul Anderson, Maine Sea Grant director, will moderate the panel discussion.
Future workshop dates, with topics to be announced, are scheduled Thursday, Oct. 6, 2-3:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 4, 12-1:30 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 8, 2-3:30 p.m.; Friday, Jan. 20, 12-1:30 p.m.; Thursday, Feb. 23, 2-3:30 p.m.; Friday, March 23, 12-1:30 p.m.; and Thursday, April 12, 2-3:30 p.m.
Some of the topics will include~interdisciplinary research in graduate training, peer committee and other departmental issues in interdisciplinary research, how to engage end users, and successful proposal writing and submission. The sessions will include time to meet researchers and share experiences with peers. Graduate students and faculty will receive a certificate for attending six of the eight sessions.
Contact: Paul Anderson, (207) 581-1435