Co-lab Program
Department of Interdisciplinary Studies
Co-Labs: An Enriching Experience for Liberal Arts Majors
The Co-Lab Program in the College of Liberal Arts provides our students with a unique opportunity to work closely with a faculty member on a research-based project designed to model and teach a variety of skills relevant to the execution of a larger research endeavor. Designed around a topic relevant to a faculty member's area of interest, Co-Labs allow students to:
- Conduct research, either according to disciplinary practices or by integrating multiple disciplines in ways that encourage explicit reflection on interdisciplinarity
- Refine your critical-thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Organize/manage a large project, utilizing effective time management and task prioritization
- Practice collaboration, including improving communication skills necessary for effective interpersonal relationships and cooperative efforts
- Cultivate flexibility, adaptability, creativity, and effective decision-making skills
- Consider ethical standards and practices in research
- Practice communicating research to the public
In Fall 2024, the College of Liberal Arts launched its Co-Lab Program, an exciting new initiative that provides our students with an opportunity to work closely with a small cohort of their peers on a research-based project under the guidance of a faculty director.
The program is competitive, both for the faculty who design the projects and for the students who are selected to participate in the funded Co-Labs. Three COLA faculty led Co-Labs this past fall: Dr. Heloisa Wilkerson, assistant professor of communication, Dr. Ann Livschiz, associate professor of history, and Dr. Damian Fleming, professor of medieval studies.
Exploring the impact of social media on elections
Dr. Wilkerson’s Co-Lab tackled a timely and relevant topic: the role of social media in the 2024 election.
Through the project, “Social Media, Elections & You,” students analyzed how journalists frame political campaigns, how that framing influences audience engagement, and the effects of misinformation and polarization on elections. Students collaboratively conducted three original research projects using discourse analysis and interviews. A highlight of the semester was a roundtable discussion held by the students just one week before the election that was featured as a civics literacy event.
Examining Russian and Soviet Imperialism through Digital Humanities
Dr. Livschiz’s Co-Lab explored Russian and Soviet imperialism and its ongoing impact. A key component of the project was the use of digital humanities tools, such as Scalar and StoryMaps, to create a digital exhibition. One featured project, “Soviet Monuments in Kyiv: Political Memory as a Weapon in Identity Politics,” showcased how political memory is shaped through historical narratives.
Students stated the overall experience helped them grasp how the digital humanities can aid in publishing valuable historical narratives to a public audience.
Investigating Medieval Manuscripts and Hebrew Alphabets
Dr. Fleming’s Co-Lab focused on his decade-long research into bad Hebrew in medieval Christian manuscripts. Contributing to the work Fleming has already undertaken, students analyzed 8th- and 9th-century manuscripts through online digitization, working to categorize alphabets by date, library, and letter forms.
In October, Fleming’s cohort visited Ohio State University’s Rare Books and Manuscripts Library, where they had the unique opportunity to study medieval books of hours and liturgical manuscripts firsthand. After returning to Purdue University Fort Wayne, students presented their findings to the university community.
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How to Participate in a Co-Lab
To be considered for a Co-Lab, you will submit an application directly to the faculty member directing the specific Co-Lab that interests you. The Dean's Office issues a call each spring for applications for the following academic year. The call for applications is announced i in a winter issue of "Collated," the Dean's Office newsletter for students, as well as here on our website.
To qualify for the program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be enrolled in a major in the College of Liberal Arts
- Have good academic standing
- Have junior or senior standing during the period of the Co-Lab
Note: Faculty members may grant special permission for sophomores to enroll, when appropriate to do so.
Check back soon for the next call for applications from the dean’s office.
