A Case Study Approach to Train Early-Stage Investigators in Transdisciplinary Research

  • Emily C. Benesh, PhD Divison of Basic Sciences Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO
  • Laura E. Lamb, PhD Beaumont Health Systems Research Institute, Royal Oak, MI
  • Shahnjayla K. Connors, PhD, MPH, CPH 3The Genome Institute at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO
  • Grant W. Farmer, PhD, MPH, MA Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO
  • Katherine C. Fuh, MD, PhD Divison of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO
  • Jean Hunleth, PhD, MPH Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO
  • Katherine L. Montgomery, PhD, MSSW George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO
  • Alex T. Ramsey, PhD, MA George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO
  • Kelle H. Moley, MD Divison of Basic Sciences Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO
  • Graham A. Colditz, MD, DrPH Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO; Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
  • Sarah J. Gehlert, PhD Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO; Divison of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO; Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22545/2015/0126
Keywords: transdisciplinary research, post-doctoral fellows, training, case studies

Abstract

Transdisciplinary (TD) research is a collaboration in which investigators from diverse backgrounds co-generate ideas. Few successful examples of TD research outcomes have been reported, possibly due to a training barrier.  Here, TD trainees present a case study methodology that augmented classic training exercises by removing hierarchical barriers and allowing the practice of TD methodologies. A 30-minute development period was critical for the team to enter the conceptualization phase of TD research, making 90-minute sessions preferable for these exercises. Six sessions over an academic year were necessary for optimum idea formation. Generating buy-in was a challenge, as pressuring potential team members to participate would alter viewpoint equitability. Internal and external enthusiasm grew over the time period. Participation led to sustained collaborations and provided a marketable skillset. This method was low-cost and, likely, generalizable to other institutions. Thus, case study approaches may be effective tools to train researchers in TD interactions.

Published
2015-01-01
How to Cite
Benesh, PhD, E. C., Lamb, PhD, L. E., Connors, PhD, MPH, CPH, S. K., Farmer, PhD, MPH, MA, G. W., Fuh, MD, PhD, K. C., Hunleth, PhD, MPH, J., Montgomery, PhD, MSSW, K. L., Ramsey, PhD, MA, A. T., Moley, MD, K. H., Colditz, MD, DrPH, G. A., & Gehlert, PhD, S. J. (2015). A Case Study Approach to Train Early-Stage Investigators in Transdisciplinary Research. Transdisciplinary Journal of Engineering & Science, 6. https://doi.org/10.22545/2015/0126
Issue
Vol 6 (2015)
Section
Articles