Humanizing STEM: How Georgia Tech and the Ivan Allen College Are Redefining Interdisciplinary Learning

Posted September 9, 2024

When Faisal Alamgir and Franziska Tsufim, an engineer and a humanist, challenged engineering students to translate complex equations into short plays, they weren’t just asking them to simplify technical jargon. They were asking them to bridge a gap between the sciences and the humanities long seen as nearly impassable.

This partnership between an engineer and a humanist — Alamgir, a professor in the School of Materials Science and Engineering, and Tsufim, a former postdoctoral researcher in the School of Literature, Media, and Communication in Georgia Tech’s Ivan Allen College of Liberal Arts — culminated with students performing interpretations of their equations. The event showcased how creativity can deepen understanding and communication in STEM fields.

This deep integration of storytelling and science is an example of precisely what this month’s Ivan Allen College’s Humanizing STEM event aims to celebrate and encourage: the power of the liberal arts and STEM fields to enhance one another.

Scheduled for Sept. 20 at the Historic Academy of Medicine Theater (just a note: registration ends soon), the event will feature TEDx-style presentations by seven noted speakers and responses from Ivan Allen College faculty discussing how integrating STEM, humanities, and social sciences can lead to more innovative, ethical, and inclusive solutions for today’s global challenges.

“Students come to Georgia Tech eager to solve complex problems, knowing no single discipline holds all the answers,” said Steve McLaughlin, provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “By integrating humanities, social sciences, and STEM fields, we are preparing our students to be the problem-finders and problem-solvers of tomorrow, equipped not just with technical skills, but with empathy, cultural awareness, and a commitment to working on the most important problems for the greater good.”

Among the speakers are Linda Adler-Kassner, associate vice chancellor of teaching and learning at UC Santa Barbara, where she is known for her work in integrating teaching and learning across disciplines; Jim Grossman, executive director of the American Historical Association; and Tina Lu, first vice president of the Modern Language Association.

Each speaker will be followed by an Ivan Allen College school chair or ROTC commander who will relate how the work done by their faculty boosts belonging, learning, and research on the Georgia Tech campus. 

One of many examples of such work includes Brian Magerko’s groundbreaking work with EarSketch and LuminAI at the intersection of cognition and creativity. Another is our collaboration with the College of Computing on the innovative two-course computing capstone required of all students seeking degrees in Computer Science or Computational Media.

That program allows students to advance and demonstrate not just their technical know-how, but also their proficiency in professional and technical communication appropriate to the software industry. 

“Looking ahead, we’re excited about the potential of our new Minor in the Applications of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, which blends rigorous technical training with critical discussions about ethics and policy,” said Interim Dean Richard Utz. “Programs such as these don’t only prepare students to excel in their fields. They also empower them to shape the future in ways that are socially responsible and inclusive.”

Utz said the goal is not just to celebrate the Ivan Allen College’s impressive track record in fostering collaboration between the liberal arts and STEM fields. It is also an effort to engage the academic community, policymakers, and business leaders,” he said, Ultimately it’s about emphasizing the importance of a human-centered approach to technology.”

“As our world becomes increasingly complex, the need for well-rounded problem solvers has never been greater,” Utz said. “By combining the strengths of STEM and of the liberal arts, we can prepare a new generation of leaders who will be ready to address the challenges of tomorrow – not just as experts, but as empathetic, creative, and ethical human beings.”