معرفی
Dr. Kathryn S. Plaisance is a Professor and Associate Director of Knowledge Integration at the University of Waterloo's School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability, with cross-appointments to the Departments of Philosophy and Psychology. Her interdisciplinary work bridges philosophy of science with practical applications in scientific practice, education, and social issues.
Her educational background includes:
- PhD in Philosophy, University of Minnesota, USA (2006)
- MA in Philosophy, University of Minnesota, USA (2004)
- BS in Molecular Biology and Philosophy, University of Wisconsin, USA (2000)
Dr. Plaisance's research spans three interconnected programs: Engaged Philosophy of Science, which advocates for philosophy that directly impacts scientific practice; Interactional Expertise, examining how philosophers can effectively engage with scientific communities; and Philosophy of the Human Behavioral Sciences, analyzing concepts in behavioral genetics. Her work consistently demonstrates how philosophical insights can improve scientific research and its societal applications.
Analysis of her publication history reveals a clear trajectory toward increasingly engaged scholarship. Early work focused on theoretical aspects of philosophy of science and behavioral genetics, while recent publications emphasize practical applications, collaboration methodologies, and social impact. There's a notable methodological shift toward empirical approaches, combining philosophical analysis with survey research, interviews, and experimental designs including twin studies.
Her significant educational contributions have been recognized with multiple prestigious awards:
- Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance Teaching Excellence Award (2022)
- Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations Teaching Award (2020-2021)
- University of Waterloo Distinguished Teacher (2016)
- University of Waterloo Outstanding Performance Award (2021)
Dr. Plaisance actively mentors students through research collaborations and has supervised numerous undergraduate research assistants. Her substantial grant portfolio includes a current SSHRC Insight Grant ($188,179 CAD, 2020-2026) for 'Engaging Science with Philosophy' and a major Partnership Grant ($2.5 million, 2024-2030) as Co-applicant. She has secured multiple teaching enhancement grants focused on collaborative skills development, reflecting her commitment to improving student learning experiences.
She founded and directs The CoLaboratory (CoLab), an interdisciplinary research group studying collaboration dynamics across disciplines. Current CoLab projects examine philosopher-STEM researcher collaborations, employing mixed methods including interviews, surveys, and bibliometric analysis to develop practical toolkits that improve collaborative processes and outcomes.
