We often think of obsessions as limiting, but in this seminar, we’ll discuss how each writer’s singular topic can be exponentially expansive and reveal new truths and tendrils of knowledge as we explore the obsessional research and pursuits of interdisciplinary thinkers. Too, this obsessional research and imaginative explorations can offer new perspectives and insight into climate crises, social inequities, and our own collective humanity. We will join in the exploration of subjects as focused as mushrooms, ice, the body, even tears – and how one subject scrutiny can open creative possibilities. In academia, we often keep different disciplines in their respective fields, but interdisciplinary thinkings and collaborations between science and art can create new understandings as well. How do these writings connect and effectively decenter disciplinary authority? We will examine creative nonfiction, anthropological reading, essay, hybrid genre, and poetry.