Engaged Scholars Academy wraps first year

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Engaged Scholars Academy wraps first year

Ohio State program connects scholars with community

The inaugural class of the Engaged Scholars Academy at The Ohio State University is nearing the end of the program. Representing disciplines such as optometry, dance, social work, city planning, and more, the 16 faculty members met regularly over the last academic year to hear from speakers and engage with their colleagues.

The goal of the program? Producing research and teaching that addresses pressing societal challenges through community partnerships, as well as providing professional development opportunities for participants.

"It's inspiring to see the different disciplines that our engaged scholars are active in," said Jason Reece, vice provost for engaged scholarship and community engagement. "It's compelling to see the different ways in which our faculty work with the community."

Matt Wu, assistant professor of chemistry in the College of Arts and Sciences, has been energized by the program.

"This was an unforgettable experience," he said. "Not only have I really gravitated toward this newfound community, but I've found a place where, once a month, I get to be inspired."

Wu can admit that chemistry may not seem like an obvious discipline for community engagement. And that is partly why he applied for the program. Engaged Scholars supported him as he imagined new possibilities, he said.

"I found myself asking what the purpose of a chemistry curriculum is," Wu said. "Is it just to get a letter grade? Or is there a larger purpose we can help our students meet?"

One of the classes Wu teaches is an introductory chemistry course. It's a large class that involves many experiments - experiments that are often discarded, Wu said.

"Can we think of a way where the efforts of thousands of students aren't just thrown away? Maybe they could be in the service of local communities; an authentic give and take."

Wu hopes to partner with organizations like the Mid-Ohio Food Collective and Mid-Ohio Farm.

"I'd love to help finesse their workflow. Help them try to increase crop yields so food goes back to local communities," he said. "My graduate student Cassie Miller has been collaborating with farming stakeholders. Perhaps we can look at issues with topsoil and how chemistry students can be of service."

Many of Wu's students come from Ohio. He believes that contributing directly to their home communities would be enriching.

"I think they would appreciate more of these connections, where they're not just doing an experiment for the sake of doing it," he said. "Can we do something where we think about the reciprocity between the university and local communities? This program has really got me thinking about broader impacts."

A California native, Wu enjoyed learning more about Columbus from city experts brought in as speakers.

"As a faculty member early in my career," he said, "I'm just here in my office trying to get my work done. I don't always take note of what's happening outside the university. The Engaged Scholars Academy has provided a window to better understand Columbus.

"There's so much good happening here," he said. "It's on me now to take that additional step to strengthen relationships."

Part of building connections inside and outside of Ohio State is storytelling - that is, being able to discuss your work and its implications. That's not something that always comes easily to academics, Reece said, particularly when the work is unusual.

"Being able to communicate about your work is so important for professional development," he said. "When scholars are trying to find funding for their work, we want them to share that it is distinct and different."

Wu is grateful for this assistance but considers it a secondary benefit of the program.

"All the tenure help, the professional development, that's part of the program already," he said. "It's like extra frosting on top. First and foremost, though, this is an enriching experience as a citizen here. You really get to know the place where you live."

The Engaged Scholars Academy comes with Wu's emphatic recommendation. It's a great starting point for academics who are new to Columbus, he said. The application for the 2026-27 academic year is now open.

"When you become engaged with the community, you realize that there are doors where you're invited in to be part of something bigger, part of this larger community that is Columbus."

He does have one edit for the program name, however.

"It really should be named the 'Inspired Scholars Academy.'"

The application for the Engaged Scholars Academy is available on the program's website: https://engage.osu.edu/engaged-scholars-academy.

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