Interdisciplinary Lives

A deeply human portrait of the intellectual, social, and personal advantages and challenges of living an interdisciplinary academic life.

This book offers a unique examination of what it actually means to live an interdisciplinary academic life. Designed for anyone pursuing interdisciplinary work or education, it provides an in-depth study of how working across disciplines shapes scholars' intellectual development, professional identity, emotional lives, and sense of self.What does 'being interdisciplinary' mean for the inquirer, the scholar who embarks on an interdisciplinary path? In a clear and engaging style, Nancy J. Nersessian and Lisa M. Osbeck present a unique and in-depth qualitative study of interdisciplinary inquiry from the perspective of those who pursue it. Drawing on original interviews with distinguished interdisciplinarians – including scientists, engineers, humanists, designers, and artists – the book offers rich insight into how interdisciplinary practice shapes and reflects the intellectual, social, emotional, and personal lives of its practitioners. The chapters highlight how such engagement transforms identities and sociocultural structures while advancing intellectual and practical aims. For researchers, educators, and administrators, the volume offers a rare, deeply human portrait of what it actually means to live an interdisciplinary academic life. It also presents participants' advice on best practices for embarking on interdisciplinary careers, along with the authors' analysis of the virtues required for effective interdisciplinary work.