Global Insights into Transdisciplinary Higher Education Initiatives

Todd E. Nicewonger holds a PhD in applied anthropology from Columbia University; an MEd in anthropology and education from Teachers College, Columbia University; and an MA in adult, occupational, and continuing education from Kansas State University. His research delves into the cultural practices of makers and growers, exploring how these practices intersect with broader socio-political concerns. This focus has led him to conduct ethnographic research in both design learning and applied contexts. He is also deeply engaged in transdisciplinary experiments within academia, investigating how design methods and tools from the arts can foster innovative research and collaborative learning.

Catherine T. Amelink holds a PhD in educational leadership and policy from Virginia Tech, an MEd in school library media from James Madison University, and a BA in history and secondary education from James Madison University. She serves as the Associate Vice Provost and Director for the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning and is affiliate faculty in the Department of Engineering Education and the School of Education at Virginia Tech. Her research interests focus on understanding factors in the educational environment that facilitate the success of vulnerable populations. Her interest in transdisciplinary learning emerged from her extensive experience collaborating with stakeholders within and external to higher education to advance learning opportunities that prepare diverse leaders to address socio-technical challenges by working across boundaries.