About the ASE

Interested in bridging disciplines? Honoring multiple ways of knowing and making meaning? Prioritizing collaboration and relationships over silos?

Conceived by Omiyẹmi (Artisia) Green, professor of Theatre & Africana Studies and the Exchange’s Founding Director, this university‑wide initiative unites the arts and sciences in bold, collaborative exploration. Guided by her conviction that creative expression and scientific inquiry thrive in dialogue, the Art & Science Exchange fuels curiosity, builds interdisciplinary communities, and advances knowledge for the public good through exhibitions, performances, workshops, and experimental research.

ASE has expanded beyond its annual Art & Science Exchange Showcase to include two new funding opportunities: the ASE Innovation Award, which supports visionary faculty-led projects with the potential for institutional impact, and FUSION Mini-Grants, which fund short-term, high-impact collaborations that ignite new ideas and partnerships. Together, these initiatives reflect the Art & Science Exchange’s deepening commitment to fostering creativity, collaboration and innovation at every stage of academic life.

Student Leadership & Learning Through ASE

In Art & Science Exchanges, students are not just participants. They are co-creators and leaders in interdisciplinary inquiry. Whether through research, performance, exhibition or event design, the ASE gives students the opportunity to apply their knowledge across fields, contribute to real-world impact and shape the future of creative, public scholarship.

Leadership-in-Action

Students involved in ASE-funded projects gain experience in project development, creative direction, community engagement and public presentation. These are not simulated tasks. They are the real work of collaborative, mission-driven leadership.

Interdisciplinary Learning

Whether they're a public health major who dances or a computer scientist who paints, ASE projects invite students to work across mediums, integrating their academic interests with the full range of their identities, skills and passions. By engaging with multiple modes of inquiry, students learn to think across boundaries, embrace complexity and communicate ideas in accessible, compelling ways. 

Career Readiness

Through applied learning experiences, students build skills in research, communication, design thinking, collaboration and public engagement — all of which translate across disciplines and industries. Whether pursuing graduate study, creative careers, public service or STEM fields, the ASE prepares students to lead with curiosity and agility.

Community & Impact

ASE projects invite students to co-create knowledge that matters. Projects often address pressing social and environmental issues, connect with community partners and bring ideas to life in ways that are publicly visible and culturally resonant.

Curious How to Get Involved?

Students may participate as project collaborators, research assistants, performers, event organizers or workshop leaders. Reach out to faculty mentors with your ideas — or contact ASE directly to explore opportunities.

Faculty Development Through ASE

The Art & Science Exchange is more than a platform for interdisciplinary exploration. It is a catalyst for faculty development, leadership and innovation. Through funding opportunities like the ASE Innovation Award and FUSION Mini-Grants, faculty are empowered to experiment boldly, lead collaboratively, and pursue meaningful work that bridges disciplines and communities.

Interdisciplinary Leadership

The ASE Innovation Award supports academic leaders across the faculty lifecycle as they design and implement bold, cross-disciplinary initiatives aligned with institutional priorities. Faculty hone their strategic thinking, project management and collaborative leadership skills — gaining valuable experience for future leadership roles.

Collaborative Scholarship

ASE Awards foster research partnerships across departments, schools and even community organizations. Faculty use these grants to seed co-authored scholarship, pilot new ideas, and pursue external funding — all while growing their interdisciplinary networks.

Teaching & Pedagogical Innovation

ASE-funded projects often engage students through experiential learning and public-facing scholarship. FUSION Mini-Grants, in particular, serve as incubators for new teaching ideas and interdisciplinary learning communities that can enrich the classroom experience.

Career Advancement

Participation in ASE initiatives can strengthen faculty dossiers by demonstrating innovation, public engagement and collaborative impact — qualities that resonate in tenure, promotion and leadership pathways.

Public Scholarship & Institutional Visibility

By supporting work that connects research to real-world challenges, the Art & Science Exchange affirms faculty as public scholars. These projects expand the reach of academic work and contribute to William & Mary’s mission as a forward-thinking, community-engaged institution.

Curious Where Your Ideas Might Lead?

Imagine boldly, then explore ASE funding opportunities to make it real.