Innovating at the Boundary of Disciplines: The Center for Research in Design and Innovation
Scarlett R. Miller | Engineering Design and Industrial Engineering
We live in an age of design. Most disciplines practice some form of it, but in order to create truly effective solutions we need people skilled in its practice who can master the breadth and depth of technical knowledge and skills in the context of diverse and subtle human and societal issues. The Center for Research in Design an Innovation (CRDI) was developed to bring together diverse faculty across the university and leverage, integrate, and expand interdisciplinary Design research at Penn State and develop international leadership in design as a science and design as a tool for innovation. This talk will highlight faculty research in these areas and the role of interdisciplinarity in design science and innovation research.
Flax in Historic Textiles: A 3-year Emphasis at Penn State’s Center for Virtual/Material Studies
Sarah K. Rich | Art History
The new Center for Virtual/Material Studies (a collaborative, University-wide research center headquartered in the department of Art History) will be initiating a multi-year focus on the materiality of historic textiles in the arts. We have chosen to begin with a deep dive into flax—the plant from which we make linen and one of the most important fibers in ancient weaving. We have questions about forensic approaches to study historic fibers and possibilities for future research in flax cultivation, processing, dyeing, and uses, among other things.
The Millennium Café runs 10-11am in the 3rd floor Café Commons of the MSC Bldg. Join researchers from across campus for a stellar cup of coffee and two <10 min interdisciplinary talks.