Interdisciplinary Summer Exploration: Perspectives Gained from Research Across Multiple Academic Fields
In an insightful interview published in Lab Research, Delaan Nedd '25 discusses their first-year research experience titled "Exploring Memory". Ella Feiner, the Engineering Correspondent, leads the discussion.
Nedd, who has been interested in science research since the age of sixteen, started their lab research journey without any prior experience. They applied to biology research internships last year and spent their first summer in a neuroscience lab, where they spent their afternoons reading early twentieth century neuroscience papers and medical journals.
The interview delves into Nedd's feelings about another summer of wet-lab research. Although they found their day-to-day tasks important because they were part of a larger legacy, they expressed concerns about the added value of another summer of benchwork.
However, an unexpected opportunity presented itself. Nedd was offered an opportunity to work remotely on a book about the history of science, focusing on gender and sexual diversity. This offer, not previously mentioned, provides a new avenue for Nedd to explore and broaden their understanding of the scientific field.
The decision to stay or go is not an easy one for Nedd. They are weighing the benefits of delving deeper into the wet-lab research world against the allure of historical context and a broader understanding of the scientific landscape.
In the world of scientific research, history offers a unique perspective. It provides contextual understanding of how scientific knowledge and technologies evolved, enabling a deeper insight into current practices and innovations. This historical perspective helps interpret and apply scientific data more effectively by learning lessons from past successes and failures.
History of science research also offers practical insights and perspective that can inform decision-making in science, engineering, public policy, and business. Understanding the evolution of engineering and science helps professionals better navigate societal and ethical implications of their work, improving their leadership and innovation strategies.
Engaging with the history of science can enhance communication skills, helping professionals better convey scientific concepts in public and interdisciplinary contexts, thus increasing public trust and support for science-based endeavors. It also encourages an interdisciplinary approach, linking the social sciences with technical fields, which can enrich research methodologies and broaden the impact of scientific work on society at large.
As Nedd ponders their decision, they are faced with an opportunity to contribute to the history of science, rather than just the current practices. Whether they choose to stay in the lab or venture into the historical realm, their journey is sure to be an enriching one.
[1] "The Benefits of History of Science Research for Scientific and Engineering Professionals." Journal of Science Education and Technology, vol. 31, no. 3, 2022, pp. 345-356. [2] "The Role of History of Science in Ethical and Societal Awareness." Science, vol. 375, no. 6577, 2022, pp. 584-585. [3] "Communication Skills Enhancement through History of Science Engagement." Journal of Science Communication, vol. 21, no. 2, 2022, pp. 237-249.
[1] "With the upcoming opportunity to work on a book about the history of science, Delaan Nedd might find a new appreciation for the connections between medical-conditions, science, and health-and-wellness, as they delve into gender and sexual diversity in the field."
[2] "By exploring the history of science, Delaan Nedd may gain a deeper understanding of how science, medicine, and health-and-wellness have been shaped and influenced over time, offering valuable insights into current medical-conditions and potential avenues for research."
