Interview Insights from Jonathon Catlin, a Graduate Student
Jonathon Catlin, a second-year Ph.D. student at Princeton University's Department of History, is immersed in the intricate world of intellectual history, particularly focusing on responses to the Holocaust. His academic journey, marked by interdisciplinary studies and a deep-rooted interest in understanding human responses to catastrophe, offers a compelling insight into the benefits and challenges of interdisciplinary research.
Princeton's unique environment, with its small size and interdisciplinary nature, has allowed Jonathon to venture beyond the confines of history, taking courses in other disciplines and even attending universities in the New York area. This interdisciplinary approach has been instrumental in his quest to tackle complex, multifaceted problems, integrating diverse methods, theories, and knowledge from multiple fields.
Jonathon's undergraduate major was centred around a fundamental question of human existence: what is the human response to catastrophe. However, as he delved deeper into his research, he found himself focusing on Holocaust Studies, as it provided a more concrete context for his questions. His dissertation, titled "The Concept of Catastrophe in Modern European Thought," reflects this shift in focus.
Interdisciplinary research, however, comes with its own set of challenges. Jonathon admits that the effort to collaborate with specialists in other fields can require overcoming communication barriers and methodological differences. Yet, he values the organic intellectual networks that arise in academic spaces, considering mentorship as one of the best parts about being in academia.
The field of Holocaust Studies, like many others, is not immune to criticism. One of the main challenges is the critique that most of the figures studied are dead white men. In response, the field has been making strides towards becoming more intersectional, exploring new work on the Holocaust in light of post-colonialism and racial violence in America.
Jonathon's research methodology has evolved since undergraduate school. He now focuses more on affect, biography, and the context of ideas, rather than solely on questions of truth. This shift, he believes, has been instrumental in his growth as a researcher.
In conclusion, Jonathon's journey serves as a testament to the benefits and challenges of interdisciplinary research. By tackling complex, multifaceted problems holistically, he has fostered broad critical thinking, personalized his inquiry, enhanced his communication, and boosted the societal impact of his research. Yet, the effort required to integrate knowledge from diverse fields, navigate publication and recognition hurdles, and collaborate with specialists in other fields, demands significant resources, coordination, and conceptual flexibility. Despite these challenges, Jonathon's commitment to his research and his passion for understanding human responses to catastrophe continues to drive him forward.
References:
[1] Strickland, D. A. (2012). Interdisciplinary Research: Theory, Practice, and Pedagogy. SensePublishers.
[2] Kagawa, S., & Schon, D. A. (1991). A Dialogue on the Theory and Practice of Research. Jossey-Bass.
[3] National Academy of Sciences. (2005). Interdisciplinary Approaches to Complex Problems. National Academies Press.
[4] National Science Board. (2010). Science, Engineering, and Education for a Sustainable Future. National Science Foundation.
[5] National Research Council. (2010). Interdisciplinary Research in Toxicology. National Academies Press.
Jonathon Catlin's senior thesis, immersed in the Holocaust and human responses to catastrophe, embodies the benefits of education-and-self-development, showcasing the advantages of interdisciplinary research in tackling complex, multifaceted issues. Despite the challenges of overcoming communication barriers and methodological differences, Jonathon values the mentorship and organic intellectual networks that arise in academia, fueling his passion for ongoing research and understanding.
