As part of their final project in ANTHROP 5505: Wicked Science, Ryan Burrows, Blue Lerner, Tobin Provenzale, and Lindsey Shimoda worked together to update this wicked science website. They had learned throughout the year that a large part of tackling wicked problems revolves around communication. Knowing that, they chose to update the website to increase the clarity of its information for both the wicked science program and the concept of wicked problems. Their goal was to introduce wicked problems to students who might be interested in the program but unfamiliar with the term “wicked problems”. To do so they added webpages describing wicked problem characteristics as well as case studies to exemplify what wicked problems can be. These pages are a valuable addition to the wicked science program website that highlights the opportunities for our students to make unique and meaningful contributions. They also created wonderful art using AI for the website (see below).

Maddison Elliot has successfully defended her MA thesis in anthropology and completed the Graduate Interdisciplinary Specialization in Wicked Science. This means that she graduated yesterday as the world’s first certified wicked scientist. Congratulations Maddison!

We have created a LinkedIn group to stay in touch with future alumni from our programs and to connect with professional wicked scientists in the wild. Join us, stay in touch, and share your ideas on careers with wicked science.

We are thrilled to announce the launch of a groundbreaking undergraduate certificate program at The Ohio State University – the Wicked Science Certificate. Designed to challenge conventional thinking and tackle complex, real-world problems, this certificate promises an enriching academic journey for students eager to explore the intricacies of modern science.

What sets the Wicked Science Certificate apart is its focus on interdisciplinary learning and problem-solving. Comprising five dynamic courses totaling at least 12 credits, this program is open to all students, regardless of their major or academic background. With no prerequisites, it offers a welcoming entry point for those passionate about delving into the realms of wicked problems and innovative solutions. The courses included in this certificate cover a diverse array of topics, ranging from environmental sustainability and global health to technology ethics and social justice. Each course is meticulously crafted to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted issues plaguing our world today, along with the tools and strategies needed to address them effectively.

To guide students through their academic journey, we provide a comprehensive advising sheet outlining the course requirements, recommended pathways, and additional resources available to support their learning. Our dedicated advisors are also on hand to offer personalized guidance and assistance, ensuring that each student maximizes their potential and achieves their academic goals.

By embarking on the Wicked Science Certificate, students will not only gain a deeper understanding of complex scientific issues but also develop critical thinking skills, collaborative abilities, and a global perspective crucial for navigating today’s interconnected world. Moreover, they will join a vibrant community of like-minded individuals dedicated to driving positive change and making a meaningful impact on society.

We invite you to explore the possibilities of the Wicked Science Certificate and join us in redefining the boundaries of traditional scientific education. Together, let’s embark on a transformative journey of discovery, innovation, and social responsibility at The Ohio State University.

We have a listserv for wicked scientists at The Ohio State University, i.e., wicked buckeyes. The listserv is used to share events, resources, and opportunities for folks interested in wicked science. You can subscribe here: https://lists.osu.edu/mailman/listinfo/wicked.

“Wicked problems”: Government and nonprofit agencies address complex challenges with assistance from the John Glenn College of Public Affairs Rapid Innovation for Public Impact course. Meet students who developed solutions for the Ohio Department of Transportation to support the growth of the advanced air mobility industry and to address equity challenges in deploying electric vehicle charging stations. You can read the post here.

On September 5th, the wicked science team successfully organized the kick-off event.

Here is what the Battelle Center and Student Communities Of Practice and Engagement (SCOPE) programming can do for you:

• Curriculum: PUBAFRS 5620 Rapid Innovation for Public Impact (4 credits) is one of the course options in the curriculum; this experiential learning, wicked challenge course is taught by Battelle Center instructors Heather Tsavaris and Ethan Rivera.
• Career: Through regular attendance at our SCOPE Community Conversations, you’ll meet and hear from wicked scientists who are practicing in government, industry, and the nonprofit sectors in a range of issue areas, including sustainable energy, digital technology, environmental health, and community food systems. Learning about the wide range of wicked science careers will help prepare you to take the GIS capstone: ANTROP 5515 Careers for Wicked Scientists (1 credit).
• Community: Through regular attendance at the Battelle Center’s SCOPE Community Conversations, professional development training, and social events, build your network of wicked science peers and mentors. You’ll meet students, faculty, and professionals from across the university and central Ohio who share your passion for tackling complex, political challenges.
• Action items:
  • Visit the Wicked Science GIS home page where you can get more details and apply for the specialization
  • Interested in learning more about Rapid Innovation? Get more information about upcoming challenges and a reminder to register for the spring session by completing this questionnaire.
  • Follow us on Instagram @OSU_battelle_center
  • View and sign up for future SCOPE events on our Battelle Center calendar

Franny Lazarus from Ohio State News wrote a piece about our Graduate interdisciplinary specialization in Wicked Science, which helps students tackle complex problems. It also features graduate student David Hibler and undergraduate student Lydia Wisne. You can read the story here.

The Council of Academic Affairs has approved the Graduate Interdisciplinary Specialization in Wicked Sciences in their meeting on March 1, 2023. No additional level of review or approval is necessary. Yay!

Mark Moritz and Nick Kawa published a piece in the American Scientist The World needs Wicked Scientists about the wicked science program. Here is the abstract: Many problems facing humanity are so daunting they seem impossible to solve. Among these problems are global climate change, food insecurity, growing socioeconomic inequality, systemic racism, and emerging infectious diseases. Yet it is precisely these problems—identified by a growing number of scholars as “wicked problems”—that society most urgently needs to address. How, then, can our expanding scientific understanding of wicked problems help us find better approaches? And what specific skills, attitudes, and knowledge do scientists need in order to effectively tackle them?

The paper is behind a paywall, but if you want to read it, contact Mark Moritz and he will send you a digital copy.