Research Mixer Sparks Interdisciplinary Collaboration Between Kirkoff College of Nursing and the College of Computing
Published April 13, 2026 by Esther Djan
Faculty from Grand Valley State University’s College of Computing and Kirkoff College of Nursing recently came together for the KCON Research Mixer, an event designed to spark new ideas, build connections, and strengthen collaboration across disciplines. Co-hosted by both colleges, the mixer combined a research-focused agenda with an informal lunch setting, creating an environment where faculty could openly share their work, explore common interests, and begin forming partnerships that extend beyond their own departments.
The event also served as a powerful example of an emerging Computing + X vision: an approach that positions computing not as a standalone discipline, but as a shared infrastructure that accelerates innovation across every field. In this context, healthcare becomes a natural and high-impact domain where computing, data, and AI converge with human-centered care to transform outcomes for patients and communities.
The event began with a series of lightning talks, where faculty presented snapshots of their current research. These presentations highlighted a wide range of topics, including health informatics, artificial intelligence, patient care technologies, and cybersecurity. Together, they showcased not only the depth of expertise across campus, but also the potential for meaningful collaboration between fields that don’t always intersect. As the presentations unfolded, what stood out most was the genuine curiosity faculty had for each other’s work, with many beginning to recognize connections and opportunities they had not previously considered.
Following the presentations, attendees moved into roundtable discussions centered around shared areas of interest like Training and Simulation Technologies, AI/Machine Learning for Predictive Analytics, Community Health/Patient Care Technologies, Smart/Connected Devices, Electronic Health Records, Health Informatics, and Health Equity. These conversations allowed faculty to dive deeper into potential collaborations, discuss challenges, and exchange ideas in a more interactive setting. The format ensured that everyone had a voice, creating a more inclusive experience.
Engagement throughout the event was strong, reflecting a clear interest in interdisciplinary collaboration. Faculty came prepared to participate and remained actively involved during and after the formal sessions, with many continuing conversations well beyond the scheduled program. This level of engagement highlighted how valuable these opportunities are for building connections that might not otherwise happen in day-to-day academic settings.
The impact of the event was immediate. By bringing together faculty from seemingly disparate backgrounds, many cross-disciplinary research opportunities emerged breaking down traditional silos. Many attendees discovered overlaps in their work that could lead to collaborative projects with real-world impact, reinforcing the importance of creating spaces where these connections can happen. It also aligned with a broader shift in research, where interdisciplinary teams are increasingly essential for securing external funding and addressing complex challenges.
Overall, the event was considered a strong success, not just in attendance, but in the quality of the connections that were formed. The conversations show that this was more than a one-time gathering. It marks the beginning of a growing pipeline of collaborative ideas and potential projects.
Looking ahead, both colleges are already exploring ways to build on this momentum. Plans include launching joint research seed funding to support interdisciplinary work and organizing future events around specific research themes to encourage even deeper collaboration. The long-term vision is to create an ongoing partnership between the College of Computing and Kirchoff College of Nursing that drives impactful research, attracts external funding, and positions GVSU as a leader in interdisciplinary innovations in AI and healthcare.