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Panel Discussions:

1.Building Successful Interdisciplinary Research Teams in AI, STEM and Healthcare 

2. Advancing Healthcare & Molecular Life Sciences Through Interdisciplinary Collaboration 

In Collaboration with the College of Health Professions, Center for Analytics and Data Science, College of Science and Engineering, and College of Applied Arts

Panel 1: April 3 @ 11AM

Building Successful Interdisciplinary Research Teams in AI, STEM and Healthcare 

Curious how interdisciplinary teams turn big ideas into externally funded research success?

Join us for an engaging panel featuring the Expand AI and STEM Clear projects—two successful, externally funded interdisciplinary initiatives. Our panelists will share practical insights on how teams were built, partnerships sustained, and collaboration leveraged to achieve impact..

What You’ll Gain 

  • Proven strategies for building and sustaining interdisciplinary teams
  • Lessons learned from large and medium-scale funded projects
  • Practical tips for navigating collaboration across disciplines
  • Inspiration to pursue external funding and interdisciplinary research 
Learn. Connect. Get inspired. 
Don’t miss this opportunity to turn collaboration into impact.  

Featured Panelists

  • Dr. Tahir Ekin, PI, Expand AI; Director, CADS
  • Dr. Apan Qasem, PI, STEM Clear
  • Dr. Barbara Hewitt, Key collaborator
  • Dr. Arzu Ari, Moderator

Who Should Attend?

Faculty, early-career researchers, grant seekers, and research leaders interested in collaboration and funding success.

Panel 2: April 17 @ 2PM

Advancing Healthcare & Molecular Life Sciences Through Interdisciplinary Collaboration 

Discover how interdisciplinary partnerships are driving innovation in Healthcare Research and Molecular Life Sciences. This interactive panel will offer practical insights, real-world examples, and actionable strategies to help you build successful research collaborations across disciplines.

Discussion Highlights 

  • Integrating multiple disciplines in research design 
  • Effective communication across research teams 
  • Overcoming barriers to collaboration 
  • Launching successful interdisciplinary initiatives 
  • Key lessons from collaborative research experiences 

What You’ll Gain 

  • Learn how interdisciplinary approaches accelerate scientific discovery and innovation 
  • Hear firsthand experiences from researchers leading collaborative projects 
  • Gain practical strategies for forming and sustaining research partnerships 
  • Understand how to navigate challenges in cross-disciplinary teamwork 
  • Expand your professional network across Healthcare and STEM fields 
Walk away with new ideas, connections, and tools to strengthen your collaborative research efforts!  

Featured Panelists

  • Dr. Jelena Tesic, Speaker, Associate Professor - Computer Science
  • Dr. Denise Gobert, Speaker, Professor, Department of Physical Therapy
  • Dr. Yuan Lu, Speaker, Associate Director, Institute for Molecular Life Sciences
  • Dr. Jie Zhu, Speaker, Associate Professor, Nutrition and Foods Program
  • Dr. Arzu Ari, Moderator, Regents’ Professor and Associate Dean for Research
  • Dr. Tahir Ekin, Moderator, Director, Center for Analytics and Data Science

Who Should Attend?

Faculty, researchers, graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and anyone interested in interdisciplinary research in Healthcare and Life Sciences.