The 10th annual Scientist-Clinician Team Science Workshop, hosted jointly by Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences' School of Nurse Anesthesia and Department of Kinesiology, the Department of Physics & Astronomy at TCU's College of Science and Engineering, and the School of Biomedical Sciences at the University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) in Fort Worth, brings together students and faculty from diverse scientific
disciplines to tackle complex challenges through collaborative projects.
The workshop is designed to build teamwork skills, effective communication and collaboration within teams."
“This year’s focus on Mars is our way of enhancing these skills — understanding roles, responsibilities and how teams function together,” explains Monica Jenschke, Ph.D., CRNA, workshop coordinator.
At its core, the workshop is a melting pot of ideas where disciplinary boundaries dissolve, fostering holistic insights and comprehensive approaches to research and problem-solving. This year’s theme, “Have you ever wanted to travel to Mars?”, explores long-duration space travel and its impact on human physiology, inspiring creativity and grounding theoretical discussions in practical, real-world applications.
"This workshop provides students with unique possibilities of jointly working on real-life medical problems while learning from each other the critical aspects of medical practice and scientific research, enriching the student experience through learning the different sides of a medical issue, building interdisciplinary collaboration and broadening the direction of their future studies," explains Anton V. Naumov, Ph.D., associate professor of physics & astronomy.
Participants engage in experiential learning, applying their knowledge in simulated real-world scenarios. Through hands-on projects and problem-solving activities, graduate students develop critical thinking skills, honing their ability to translate theoretical knowledge into practical solutions.
Structured team-building exercises and readiness assessments foster essential teamwork skills and interdisciplinary communication, equipping participants to navigate collaborative science and clinical research environments with confidence.
Collaboration across disciplines is crucial in science and health care, where effective communication and teamwork leads to innovative solutions to complex problems that benefit both fields.
A previous participant noted, "I loved getting to hear the patient side of our research questions. It is great to know what to research and to gain perspective of why we scientists are doing what we are doing.”
This kind of collaboration is essential in science health care settings, where integrating diverse perspectives can significantly strengthen research study design and the translation of findings to enhance patient care.
Mentorship also plays a crucial role, with approximately 100 graduate students guided by 24 facilitators — including faculty members and senior students — ensuring a diverse mix of expertise and guidance across academic levels. This mentorship not only enhances participants’ research understanding but also nurtures a supportive academic community where peer learning thrives.
Another participant shared, “Every team member collaborated, contributed their knowledge and fostered a successful learning environment.”
Beyond educational outcomes, the workshop aims to spark enduring impacts on scientific research and clinical practice. By fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration, it prepares participants to lead advancements in their respective fields, shaping the future of scientific discovery and health care delivery.
The Scientist-Clinician Team Science Workshop will take place on Friday, September 27, 2024, from 12-3 p.m. The deadline to register is Thursday, September 12, 2024.