Manoj Mohanan on Opportunities at Duke and Advice for Students

Mohanan is the new vice provost for interdisciplinary programs

Manoj Monahan in three separate photos: In graduation robes, at a podium, and laughing outside

This is a summary of an interview on the Office of Interdisciplinary Programs site.

When Manoj Mohanan became Duke’s vice provost for interdisciplinary programs in July, he brought with him an academic path that has crossed medicine, public health, economics and public policy. 

What made you want to take on your new role? 

Part of the reason why I came to Duke was the interdisciplinary culture that we have here. I’ve benefited so much over these last 17 years from the institutional support Duke provides for interdisciplinary research, and from the inputs and advice I’ve received from colleagues from different disciplines. Now I have an opportunity to give back.

What do you see as the greatest opportunities at Duke?

I see two sets of opportunities. 

One is that the big problems that we face today are not defined in one single discipline. The global problems — climate change or growing water shortages, for example — will require significant efforts from academics, policymakers and advocates to work together to understand the nature of the problem and think outside the box for solutions. 

Second, I think there is a growing understanding that resources today are not tied to disciplinary issues. We need to think differently about how we pursue those resources, whether for faculty research, teaching efforts or philanthropy. 

Many students are eager to work on complex real-world challenges but are not always sure where to begin. What advice would you give them? 

Just start with the first opportunity that presents itself! That might mean writing a class paper about a challenge you care about, or looking up faculty who are working on topics you’re interested in. If you see any overlap in your interests, just go talk to the faculty members.

Read the full interview with Manoj Mohanan on the Office of Interdisciplinary Programs site.