Interdisciplinary Research in Liberal Arts Colleges: A Math Faculty Candidate’s Advantage and Disadvantage

The decision of whether a math faculty candidate at a liberal arts college (LAC) would be at an advantage or disadvantage due to their interdisciplinary research depends on several factors. At a liberal arts college, faculty are often required to wear multiple hats and engage more with their broader community, which might present a positive opportunity. However, the advantage may be offset by the specialized nature of the mathematics field and the limited number of faculty members in their departments.

The Benefits of Interdisciplinarity

One of the main advantages of interdisciplinary research at a liberal arts college is the ability to cross-pollinate ideas and methodologies across different fields. For a math faculty member with interests in areas such as job search philosophy or linguistics, there is potential to enrich both their own research and their interactions with colleagues and students. Interdisciplinary research can lead to innovative solutions and a more dynamic academic environment. Additionally, faculty members who engage in interdisciplinary work are often seen as leaders in fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, which is highly valued in many liberal arts colleges.

The Challenges of Interdisciplinary Research

However, the interdisciplinary nature of research can also pose challenges. In a setting where the faculty is smaller and disciplines are more defined, having a candidate whose research spans multiple disciplines might be seen as less desirable. This is because these candidates may spend less time within the department, interacting with and mentoring students and colleagues, which is critical for departmental productivity and growth. Moreover, the smaller size of departments at liberal arts colleges might make it more difficult to find peer support and collaboration within the same discipline. This can be particularly challenging for a math faculty member, given the specialized nature of the field.

The Hire and Tenure Process

The impact of interdisciplinary research is often most noticeable during the hire and tenure process. At the hiring stage, interdisciplinary candidates may be viewed as having a broader and more innovative research portfolio, which can be seen as an added value. However, during tenure, the tendency is to emphasize more specialized and deeply understood research. In the case of a math faculty candidate with interdisciplinary interests, tenure committees may question the depth and rigor of the candidate's specialized knowledge, which could be crucial for advancing their career within the department.

Location and Its Role

While location can influence the advantages and disadvantages of interdisciplinary research, it does not provide a predictable solution. For example, a candidate with interdisciplinary interests might find greater support in a liberal arts college located in a metropolitan area where there is a larger academic community and more opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Conversely, a candidate in a rural or less diverse setting might face more challenges in finding similarly interdisciplinary colleagues and resources.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the advantage or disadvantage of interdisciplinary research for a math faculty candidate at a liberal arts college depends on a variety of factors, including the school's culture, the department's size and structure, and the specific interests of the candidate. While interdisciplinary research can offer unique opportunities and enrich the academic experience, it also comes with challenges, particularly in smaller, more specialized departments. Faculty and hiring committees must weigh these factors carefully to determine whether interdisciplinary research is the right fit for a candidate at a liberal arts college.