Crossing Boundaries: Toward Conceptualization of Interdisciplinary Interaction

• In Event: Roundtable Session 30
  In Roundtable Session: Integrative and Interdisciplinary Collaborations: Navigating Boundaries, Intersections, and Diversity

Abstract

We undertake a study to better understand the nature of collaboration and interaction among faculty at a large research university. The focus is intellectual exchange across academic sub-disciplines that promote a social climate beneficial to doctoral students. We find a dearth of research in this area. This is part of a sequential mixed-methods project. In this first phase, we undertook conceptualization of “interaction” through in-depth semi-structured interviews with leaders across academic units. We then iteratively coded for emerging themes. We develop a definition of interaction as direct contact between two or more mutually contributing parties involving connection on some common ground. We find convergence as well as important differences that may be related to disciplinary norms.

Authors

• Jeanette Joyce, Rutgers University

• Veronica Cavera, American Water Works Association

• Kevin Crouse, Rutgers University - New Brunswick/Piscataway