Unlike any other school in the nation, the School of Integrated Science and Humanity (SISH) in FIU’s College of Arts & Sciences is developing deeper understandings to advance scientific inquiry and discovery. Our efforts touch nearly every aspect of the human experience, from the most molecular level within our DNA to the far reaches of space. We research, challenge and explore. Our academic structure — encompassing Chemistry and Biochemistry, Mathematics and Statistics, Philosophy, Physics and Psychology — fosters interdisciplinary dialogues of the most pivotal issues facing society today. Our ultimate goal is to advance health for the human body, society and our greater existence. In 2014, we embarked on new endeavors that contribute to this core mission. We launched the Biomolecular Sciences Institute (BSI), a collaboration among many of the university’s top researchers. BSI is advancing nanotechnology and developing treatments for cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. We also launched the STEM Transformation Institute, dedicated to improving education within science, technology, engineering and math. Collaborators from Arts & Sciences, Education, and Engineering & Computing are taking evidence-based approaches that began in our Physics classrooms to scale. Efforts within the STEM Transformation Institute have led to redesigned classrooms on campus, new teacher training programs, and most importantly, improved test scores and retention among students. As a society, one of the greatest debates to grip our nation in 2014 was the rights of the lesbian, gay and bisexual community, and more specifically, marriage equality. Faculty within our Center for Women’s and Gender Studies advanced the debate in consideration of both the social and psychological effects of banning same-sex marriage. The tireless work of the 133 affiliate faculty members in Women’s and Gender Studies also led to the creation of the International Women, Gender and Violence Initiative. Through research and education, the initiative focuses on the prevention of physical and emotional abuse. The initiative’s international focus guides research centered on how to stop trends of violence and, in some cases, cultural acceptance. From the minds of children to technological discoveries in forensic science, SISH is making contributions that help foster a healthier, happier and safer society. For students in the School of Integrated Science and Humanity, 2014 was a year of hands-on learning, exploration and inspiration designed to transform their capabilities to help solve challenges of the 21st century.
Michael R. Heithaus Dean, College of Arts & Sciences
Suzanna Rose Executive Director, School of Integrated Science and Humanity