x̌əl sic snpax̌nwixʷtn: A Narrative on Interdisciplinarity: Reimagining Spaces & Reframing Academic Metrics of Success

UBC Okanagan is partnering with the University of Exeter to encourage and expand academic research, education and exchange. The new Exeter-UBCO Sustainability and Resilience Partnership is a three-year strategic pilot that expands on formal agreements and joint funding mechanisms between the two universities. Natalie is visiting us as part of the Professional Staff Exchange programme for two weeks, sharing best practice and experience.

x̌əl sic snpax̌nwixʷtn is set to open in March 2026. It will be a catalyst for interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation - a place where social sciences, natural sciences, humanities, and creative and professional disciplines converge. The name honours the campus’ relationship with the Syilx Okanagan Nation. "x̌əl" signifies "for the purpose of", "sic" represents "new/innovation" and "snpax̌nwixʷtn" means "a place where people work together to enlighten and inform each other."

Described by her peers as a research rebel, Natalie Rodriquez has implemented new systems, technologies, platforms, research initiatives and discovery worldwide. She has over a decade of experience specializing in directing and operationalizing Team Science, interdisciplinary collaborations, and large-scale consortia. Her experience spans basic science, community health sciences, population, and Indigenous health.

Natalie will be giving a talk entitled “x̌əl sic snpax̌nwixʷtn. A Narrative on Interdisciplinarity: Reimagining Spaces & Reframing Academic Metrics of Success” on Monday 16 June from 12 – 1pm in the ESI Trevithick Room. She will also talk about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (EDI) in research, why it matters and how we start taking steps along the pathway to change.

This will be a hybrid talk held in the ESI Trevithick Room on Penryn campus.

Please email esidirector@exeter.ac.uk if you would like a Teams invite.

Note: this event is for University of Exeter staff only.