Over the past decade, Thomas Lekan has engaged in interdisciplinary research and teaching, enriched by collaborations such as the Southeast German Studies Workshop and the research project Tales of the Tidelands. While some projects, like the partnership with Congaree National Park, initially thrived but later faded, others failed due to a lack of interest or support. Reflecting on these experiences as director of the USC History Center, Lekan emphasizes practical collaboration mechanisms over strict definitions of interdisciplinarity. Successful interdisciplinary work relies on shared purpose, trust, and institutional incentives. He advocates for a pragmatic, problem-centered approach, inspired by models like Stanford’s Humanities Center, to balance individual and team research priorities and foster innovative, eco-socially relevant scholarship.