Ela Gezen, professor of German studies, and David Mednicoff, professor of Middle Eastern studies and public policy, have been appointed directors of the Interdisciplinary Studies Institute (ISI).

Image

For over 25 years, ISI has been a central and indispensable venue for open interdisciplinary exchange and intellectual enrichment, grounded in social, cultural and political responsibility. At the core of the institute has been the ISI Seminar, organized around a specific theme that engages faculty, students and the wider community. Gezen and Mednicoff bring a wide range of academic and administrative experience to bear on ensuring the institute’s relevance and continuing to broaden its reach across the entire UMass campus and nearby communities.

As part of their expansive vision for ISI’s critical work on campus, Gezen and Mednicoff plan a range of activities for the 2026-27 academic year, beginning with a reception on Sept. 30 from 4-6 p.m. at Old Chapel to celebrate ISI’s 25 years of diverse accomplishments and programs, and honor its founding director, Distinguished Professor Emeritus Stephen Clingman.

The fall semester will also feature a campus-wide roundtable on interdisciplinary research and teaching, a student research showcase, and two short faculty workshops on wide-ranging, relevant topics. The spring of 2027 will see the resumption of ISI’s semester-wide seminar, as well as a range of linked activities, around the broad theme of “Migrations.”

As part of their efforts to connect the work of the ISI to as wide a range of campus units as possible, Gezen and Mednicoff are assembling a new board of advisors that will represent six of UMass’ colleges. Suggestions are welcome, as is other engagement from campus stakeholders as the new directors put in place their goals to extend ISI’s role as a critical space for interdisciplinary interchange and collaboration.

More information about ISI can be found at UMass.edu/ISI. To register for the Sept. 30 reception at Old Chapel, complete this form by Sept. 23.