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Presentation by Dr. Mike Rayo, Associate Professor of Integrated Systems Engineering, The Ohio State University

Monday 14 April at 1-2 pm in 4094 Smith Laboratory

Mike Rayo will introduce Computational Ethnography, which enhances the reach, representativeness, and depth of societal-scale research. He is leading a multidisciplinary team at Ohio State to develop computationally-assisted methods for data collection, analysis, and community impact. These efforts will be carried out by multi-faceted teams that integrate researchers, stakeholders, and computational tools like AI/ML, ensuring that community voices are central to both the research process and its outcomes. Computational ethnography addresses challenges such as bias, sustaining community engagement, and the transparency of computational models while exploring wicked problems like misinformation and responsible AI. Computational ethnography has the potential to transform social science research by making it more inclusive, participatory, and impactful.

The weekly Wicked Hour is for all who are interested in wicked problems / science / students. It is an opportunity to discuss work in progress, brainstorm ideas, and connect with other wicked buckeyes and professionals at Ohio State and beyond. Students, staff, faculty, alumni, and professionals interested in wicked problems and science are welcome to join this informal group on Mondays from 1 to 2 pm in 4094 Smith Laboratory. If you want to join by zoom, please email Dr. Mark Moritz at moritz.42@osu.edu.

Discussion led by David Hibler (EEOB) and Shane Scaggs (Anthropology), PhD candidates at The Ohio State University

Monday 7 April at 1-2 pm in 4094 Smith Laboratory

David Hibler and Shane Scaggs will talk about their experiences at the Complex Systems Summer School at the Santa Fe Institute and particularly about what happens in the summer school in terms of learning activities, environment, interactions with peers and faculty that make the institute a special place for the study of complex systems. One of the questions that we will be discussing is whether the “magic” of the institute can be recreated at Ohio State on a shoestring.

The weekly Wicked Hour is for all who are interested in wicked problems / science / students. It is an opportunity to discuss work in progress, brainstorm ideas, and connect with other wicked buckeyes and professionals at Ohio State and beyond. Students, staff, faculty, alumni, and professionals interested in wicked problems and science are welcome to join this informal group on Mondays from 1 to 2 pm in 4094 Smith Laboratory. If you want to join by zoom, please email Dr. Mark Moritz at moritz.42@osu.edu.

The wicked science team has launched a weekly Wicked Hour for all who are interested in wicked problems / science / students. It is an opportunity to discuss work in progress, brainstorm ideas, and connect with other wicked buckeyes and professionals at Ohio State and beyond. Students, staff, faculty, alumni, and professionals interested in wicked problems and science are welcome to join this informal group on Mondays from 1 to 2 pm in 4094 Smith Laboratory. If you want to join by zoom, please email Dr. Mark Moritz at moritz.42@osu.edu.

We have new brand system including logo, color scheme, and typography. It was designed by Tim Ritz.

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.