Ed Balleisen Reappointed to Interdisciplinary Leadership Role

Can a summer program spark a lifelong passion? For Matthew Ross, a Duke Ph.D. graduate in ecology, one of Duke’s interdisciplinary “plus programs” helped lead to a career that blends environmental science, data visualization and collaborative teaching.

As Will Lieber graduates, he leaves behind not just a custom major, but a model for turning personal passion into public impact. This transfer student turned community-engaged researcher is a Duke maximalist, in the best way.