Several College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) faculty members were highlighted in a recent Syracuse.com article examining key themes that emerged from Syracuse University’s “Into the Future” summit, held as part of Chancellor Michael Haynie’s inauguration festivities. Much of the coverage drew from the panel, "Solving Grand Challenges Together: A&S Interdisciplinary Research Across Syracuse University," which explored how collaboration across academic fields can drive discovery, innovation and solutions to complex societal challenges.

M. Lisa Manning, the William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Physics, described efforts to prepare students for careers that increasingly require collaboration across disciplines. Manning also explained how bringing together individuals with different areas of expertise helps students develop the skills needed to tackle complex real-world challenges.

Gregory Hoke, A&S associate dean for Creativity, Scholarship and Research and professor of Earth and environmental sciences, underscored the value of interdisciplinary scholarship, arguing that many of the most significant discoveries emerge at the boundaries between academic fields.

Duncan Brown, Syracuse University's vice president for research and a professor of physics in A&S, emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in preparing students for an increasingly complex workforce. Brown noted that the ability to connect ideas and expertise across disciplines is a key strength of a Syracuse University education and helps make graduates attractive to employers and research organizations.

Joseph Ditre, professor of psychology and director of Syracuse University’s Center for Health Behavior Research and Innovation, discussed collaborative research efforts focused on veterans and military populations. Ditre highlighted partnerships with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Institute for Veterans and Military Families aimed at improving health outcomes and expanding research opportunities.

In addition to the faculty members highlighted in the coverage, Alex Maloney, the Kathy and Stan Walters Endowed Professor of Quantum Science and director of the Institute for Quantum and Information Science, participated in the summit's discussions, contributing to the event's broader focus on research, innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Read the Syracuse.com article.