The Interdisciplinary Research Seminar Series/IRSS program is designed to build interdisciplinary capacity in areas of growing research strength by (1) fostering communication and promoting collaborations among UNCW investigators and (2) connecting our local community with the national knowledge network and creating an intellectual community of peers. IRSS focuses on a theme, problem, or broad question where UNCW has existing research capacity and a clear opportunity to grow its research contributions and overall success.

AY2022-2023

Food for Thought: Technology, Community, Health, Access, and Justice

Julia Waity (Sociology and Criminology), Ana Barrios Sosa (Chemistry and Biochemistry), Carol Plautz (Biology and Marine Biology), Ellie Ebrahimi (Computer Science), Huili Hao (Environmental Sciences), Avinash Geda (Congdon School), Manoj Vanajakumari (Congdon School), Amelia Huelskamp (Health and Applied Human Sciences), Alexia Franzidis (Health and Applied Human Sciences), Ann Rotchford (Sociology and Criminology), Leah Mayo (Center for Healthy Communities)

The goal of "Food for Thought" is to bring attention to issues around food and health at UNCW and in the broader community and to create a community of scholars who can collaborate on future food related research, including seeking external funding. Events focus on food, medicine, and GMOs, food supply chain, food justice, and food insecurity and food access as well as lightning talks about food research. This IRSS will not only highlight the great work that is currently being done at UNCW but provide opportunities to share resources and build networks for future collaborations.

GMOs: Friends or Foes?

Friday, March 24, 2023 | Morton Hall 100 | 12:30-2:00 p.m. | Register

Moderator: Dr. Nathan Crowe, Associate Professor of History at UNCW

Panelists:

Dr Eric Britt Moore, Assistant Professor of Environmental Protection at UNCW
Dr. Elizabeth Ann Lipscomb, Regulatory Toxicologist at BASF
Dr. Nicholas Bate, Senior Program Officer at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

Hungry to Learn: How Students Are Struggling with Food Insecurity on Campus

featuring Soledad O'Brien

Tuesday, March 28 | 7:00 p.m. | Burney Center

View past session details here.

Additional Food for Thought information.

ChatGPT and Generative AI for Education, Local Government, and Business

Karl Ricanek (Computer Science and Institute for Interdisciplinary Identity Sciences), John Knox (Randall Library), Jacquelyn Lee (Social Work and Center for Teaching Excellence), James DeVita (Education Leadership, High Impact Pathways, and Applied Learning), Jess Boersma (Spanish, I3S, and CAS Dean's Office), Yoa Shi (Management Information Systems), Michele Parker (Education Leadership), Ray Pastore (Instructional Technology), Lindsey Schroeder (Health and Applied Human Sciences), Shannon Ford (Nursing), Lance Cummings (English), Amelia Moody (Early Childhood and Special Education), NC Biotechnology Center, Wilmington Chamber of Commerce

As the field of artificial intelligence continues to evolve, it is becoming increasingly important for individuals and organizations in various industries to understand the capabilities and potential applications of cutting-edge technologies like ChatGPT and generative AI. This seminar series aims to provide education, local government, and business professionals with an in-depth understanding of these technologies and their potential to improve operations, increase efficiency, and drive innovation.

Exploring the Frontiers of Generative AI in Higher Education

Tuesday, February 28, 2023 | 3:30-4:30 p.m. | Zoom

The panel aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the rapidly evolving field of Artificial Intelligence, with a focus on Generative AI applications. The discussion will cover three critical topics: (1) overview of AI with an eye toward generative AI; (2) application of AI in various fields of study, and (3) ethical considerations of AI in education.

Panelists:

Dr. Lance Cummings, Associate Professor of English
Dr. Christine Liao, Associate Professor of Elementary and Art Education
Dr. Amelia Moody, Professor of Early Childhood and Special Education
Dr. Karl Ricanek, Professor of Computer Science

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AY2021-2022

The Material Culture of Racial Justice and Healthcare Equity

Jennifer Le Zotte (History), Jamie Brummit (Philosophy and Religion), Nathan Crowe (History), Stephanie Crowe (Randall Library), Michaela Howells (Anthropology), Angie Sardina (Recreation Therapy), Meghan Sweeney (English)

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AY2020-2021

Mindfulness: Promoting Research-informed Practice and Practice-informed Research

Jacquelyn Lee (Social Work), Beverly Foulks McGuire (Philosophy and Religion), Julian Keith (Psychology), Kristen DeVall (Sociology and Criminology), Anne Pemberton (Randall Library), Meen Lee (Nursing)