The Essential Role of Research in a Liberal Arts Setting WELCOME to Inquiry, a review of research in the College of Arts and Sciences for 2024. Research is often seen as the exclusive domain of large research institutions, but in the College of Arts and Sciences, it plays an equally pivotal role—perhaps even a unique one. Within our intimate, interdisciplinary setting, research empowers both faculty and students to engage deeply with complex ideas, foster critical thinking, and push the boundaries of knowledge across multiple fields. In this issue, we explore the profound importance of research within a liberal arts context and how it transforms the educational experience. For faculty, research is more than an academic endeavor; it’s a catalyst for teaching innovation. Engaged in research, professors bring fresh insights into the classroom, bridging theory and practice in ways that benefit their students. Research demands that faculty stay current and critical, ensuring that the knowledge they impart reflects the latest advancements and thinking in their disciplines. Moreover, within the College of Arts and Sciences, faculty research often stretches beyond conventional disciplinary silos, enabling groundbreaking interdisciplinary work. This cross-pollination of ideas not only broadens their academic contributions but also reinforces the liberal arts mission of fostering a holistic, interconnected worldview. For our students, research opportunities within the college are invaluable. They are not merely passive recipients of knowledge but active participants in its creation. Working with faculty mentors, students cultivate skills essential for today’s world: problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective communication. They learn how to frame questions, sift through information critically, and synthesize their findings—all skills that will serve them far beyond graduation. In addition, research experience helps students deepen their knowledge in their chosen majors, often leading to more competitive positions in graduate programs and diverse professional paths. In this issue, we celebrate the dedication to research shared by our faculty and highlight examples of projects that exemplify the unique strengths of a liberal arts environment. It is my hope that you will be inspired by these stories and appreciate the vital role research plays in enriching our academic community and creating a global impact. MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN contributors EDITOR Robert Nichols ’17G CAS ADVISORY BOARD Robert A. Flowers II, dean Kelly Austin, R. Michael Burger, Dawn Keetley, Jessecae Marsh, associate deans DESIGNER Kayley LeFaiver CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jodi Duckett Hayley Frerichs Vicki Mayk Robert Nichols PHOTOGRAPHERS Christine Kreschollek Christa Neu Inquiry is published annually by the College of Arts and Sciences at Lehigh University. COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES Lehigh University 9 West Packer Avenue Bethlehem, PA 18015 cas.lehigh.edu INQUIRY | SCHOLARSHIP, RESEARCH, AND CREATIVE WORK | REVIEW 2024 3 Robert A Flowers II Herbert J. and Ann L. Siegel Dean CAS.Lehigh lehigh_cas lehighu-cas @lehigh_cas @Lehigh_CAS Douglas Benedict
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