The Langford Lecture series honors Duke faculty for their research, teaching, and service. Each year, a committee selects awardees from among recently promoted or hired colleagues. Dr. Sarah Gaither (Psych & Neuro) is one of the 2023-2024 recipients. Her research explores how social identities and life experiences influence social behaviors and perceptions. Read more. read more about Dr. Sarah Gaither Receives the Thomas Langford Lectureship Award »
Professor Sandy Darity (Sanford) has described inequality studies minor as one of the critical courses that is being offered at Duke University which prepares students across disciplines to understand and address inequality. The minor allows students to advance their understanding of the causes and consequences of inequality and pursue research around social equity issues across various social science methods. Watch the video here. read more about Inequality Studies, a Way to ‘Better Understand Policies to Drive Social Change »
The Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture at Duke University is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Founded in 1983, the center has played a significant role in fostering a sense of community among Black students and serving as a space for cultural preservation and enhancement. The center offers a variety of programs and events, including "FDOC Fits" and Jazz@MaryLou performances. The Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture is a vital part of the Duke University community and continues to be a symbol of unity and a… read more about Mary Lou Williams Center for Black Culture Celebrates 40 Years »
Duke University is launching a celebration of its centennial in 2024, marking 100 years since its establishment. President Vincent E. Price expressed that it's a moment of transformation and continuity for Duke, emphasizing the university's potential to lead in the century ahead. The Centennial Celebration Kickoff is scheduled for January 9, 2024, at 4 PM in Cameron Indoor Stadium, featuring musical performances, special guests, and more. Further details will be available in the coming months, including registration and… read more about Duke University Celebrates 100 Years Centennial »
Professor. Christopher Ouma, (English) specializes in Pan-African literature. Dr. Ouma conducted his Ph.D. research on West African literature, and his current book project, titled “Small/Little/Literary Magazines and Pan-African Imagination, 1955-1975,” covers the dynamic period of decolonization and independence when significant political and artistic developments occurred, marked by the founding of influential magazines such as Black Orpheus in Nigeria. Read more here. read more about Meet Professor Christopher Ouma: Exploring Pan-African Imagination »
Dr. Gary Bennett, (Dean of Trinity Arts and Sciences), announced that Duke is offering new tuition grants to eligible students from North and South Carolina. Students with family incomes below $150,000 qualify for full tuition grants, while those under $65,000 also receive support for housing, meals, and more. This program benefits students and their communities, increasing grant assistance by $2 million this year and $6-7 million over the next five years. read more about Dr. Gary Bennett: New Grants Aim to Alleviate Financial Burden for Hundreds of Students in North and South Carolina »
Prof. Divine Kumah (Physics) holds immense potential for transforming memory storage and revolutionizing quantum computing. With a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and numerous accolades, including the 2022 Oxide Electronics Prize, Dr. Kumah continues to push the boundaries of materials science, impacting future technologies. Read more. read more about Meet Professor Divine Kumah: The Physicist Creating Ultrathin Quantum Materials, Atom by Atom »
Bishop William Willimon reviews Dean Luke Powery's book "Becoming Human: The Holy Spirit and the Rhetoric of Race" in The Christian Century magazine. Willimon praises Powery's theological approach to addressing race in America, emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit. Powery, who serves as the dean of Duke Chapel and a professor at Duke Divinity School, offers a unique perspective on racial issues, and his book was recognized as the 2023 Book of the Year by the Academy of Parish Clergy. Read more. read more about Book Review: "Becoming Human: The Holy Spirit and the Rhetoric of Race" by Dean Luke Powery »
Professor Trina Jones, (Law) begins her two-year term as chair of the Academic Council by focusing on ensuring faculty voices are heard during a period of significant change. She is particularly concerned about legislative proposals affecting tenure and the teaching of systemic discrimination in higher education. Jones believes the Academic Council, representing faculty from all Duke schools, is well-placed to address these critical matters related to academic freedom and university governance. Learn more… read more about Professor Trina Jones on Faculty Governance and the Coming Academic Council Year »
Professor. Adrienne Stiff-Roberts (Pratt) recently completed her tenure as a Presidential Fellow. During this time, she gained a deeper understanding of the university's operations and worked on a project to create interdisciplinary problem-solving retreats for master's degree students. Prof. Stiff-Roberts praised the flexibility of the fellowship and the diversity of leadership styles she encountered at Duke. Read more. read more about Professor Adrienne Stiff-Roberts on a Year of Learning How the University Works »
Prof. Aaron Kyle (Pratt) has been named a 2023 Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) Grade of Fellows, which recognizes his outstanding contributions to the biomedical engineering community, specifically his commitment to design-centered instruction, and influential STEM outreach. Read more about his award here. Dr. Kyle has also been elected to the board of directors of BMES. Details here. read more about Prof. Aaron Kyle Garners Dual Honors in Biomedical Engineering »
Dr. Martha Kenney (SoM) has received $670K for a five-year K award from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Her project, "Predictors of Pain Severity and Pain-Related Outcomes in Individuals with Sickle Cell Disease," aims to identify factors predicting severe pain outcomes in sickle cell disease patients. By understanding these predictors, Kenney hopes to improve pain management and guide non-opioid treatment studies. Read more. read more about Dr. Martha Kenney Awarded NIH Grant to Study Sickle Cell Disease Pain »
Professors Naomi N. Duke (SoM) and Tyson Brown (Sociology) are part of a multidisciplinary partnership between Duke and UNC that has received a $25.3M grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) to study racial and ethnic disparities and socioeconomic factors in Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease-Related Dementias. This research will help to address gaps in understanding the potential risks for these debilitating conditions and develop interventions to reduce the risk of AD/… read more about A Duke-UNC team Secured $25.3M Grant to Study Alzheimer's Disease Disparities »
Professor Deondra Rose (Sanford) has been appointed as Duke University's third Presidential Fellow for the 2023-2024 academic year. This prestigious fellowship, established by President Vincent Price, recognizes Professor Rose's exceptional contributions to higher education policy, her leadership in the field, and her invaluable contributions to the Duke community. Read more. read more about Congratulations to Professor Rose on Becoming Duke's Third Presidential Fellow »
Journey into an enlightening dialogue as Mickell Carter engages in a dynamic conversation with the distinguished Professor Mark Anthony Neal (AAAS). Together, they delve into the multifaceted evolution of Hip-Hop culture across five decades, unearthing its origins, influences, and transformative trajectory. Professor Neal's insightful perspective illuminates the genre's profound role within the framework of the Black freedom struggle, his cherished favorite MCs, and his captivating vision for Hip-Hop's… read more about “Hip-Hop as Archival Practice and Form”: An Interview with Professor Mark Anthony Neal »
As Dr. Joanne Wilson (SOM) retires, the School of medicine gave a warm shout-out to @dukeGI for a beautiful retirement gift chair recognizing Dr. Joanne Wilson’s contributions to Medicine and medical education. The school of medicine described Dr. Joanne Wilson as a true #MedicineTrailblazer, a mentor to many, and an inspiration to all. The black think tank community wishes Dr. Wilson all the best in her retirement! Read more. read more about Dr Joanne Wilson Retires, Recognized by Duke School of Medicine »
In Dr. Tsitsi Jaji's (English) poem "Disaster," the speaker's child's curiosity about Greenland and glaciers leads to a simple explanation of environmental activism. The poem explores the complexities of parental responsibility and the speaker's reflections on their role in introducing their child to a world marked by climate change, metaphorically paralleled with their personal feelings of betrayal and honesty. Read more. read more about Dr. TsiTsi Jaji (English) publishes the pome "Disaster" on The Atlantic »
In Professor Jennifer C. Nash's (Gender, Sexuality, and Feminist Studies)poignant essay, she reflects on her mother's struggle with Alzheimer's disease. The story begins with a clock-drawing test in 2019, marking her mother's decline. The essay captures the impact of dementia on memory and identity, juxtaposing her mother's determined upbringing with the inevitable progression of the disease. Throughout the years, Professor Nash observes her mother's deterioration, sharing intimate moments and conversations… read more about Prof. Jennifer Nash (GS&FS) on her relationship with her mother through time and caregiving. »
Dr. Jamila Minga studies right hemisphere strokes and their resulting brain disorders. She explains that the right hemisphere strokes differ from the more widely known left hemisphere strokes in that the survivors are still capable of speech but have trouble with pragmatic language (the ability to know what to say, when to say it, and how to say it). Dr. Minga’s mission is to raise awareness of right-hemisphere brain disorders. Click to watch video read more about Why Do You Study That? Dr. Jamila Minga (SoM) on Right Hemisphere Strokes! »
The former curator of religion at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Dr. Eric Lewis Williams (Divinity) discusses his work there and his hopes for his new role as director of the Office of Black Church Studies at Duke Divinity School. Read more. read more about The Divinity School’s Eric Lewis Williams has a vision »
After over two decades at Duke University, Dean of Students John Blackshear will depart at the end of 2023 to become the University of Rochester's first Vice President for Student Life. Known for his student connections and leadership, Blackshear leaves a legacy of innovation, including navigating the pandemic and launching the QuadEx initiative. He aims to foster student success and inclusivity in his new role. Duke plans to appoint an interim dean and launch a search for his successor in the spring. Read… read more about Dean of Students John Blackshear to Leave Duke »
We mourn the passing of Dr. Kimberley J. Evans, a revered member of the Department of Medicine (DOM). Joining Duke in 1998, her impactful journey included leadership in nephrology, innovation in electronic health records, and fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. Dr. Evans received accolades for her dedication to patient care and education. Her legacy continues through initiatives for underrepresented trainees and community-building. Duke honors her profound contributions and extends… read more about Honoring Dr. Kimberley Evans »
Professor Gustavo Silva (Biology) is studying how cells respond to stress. He is particularly interested in the role of the gene Rad6, which encodes for a protein that plays a key role in orchestrating the stress response. Silva is working with a Duke senior on a project that could help explain how mutations in the human analog of Rad6 relate to intellectual disability. Read more. read more about Our cells are stressed and Duke biologist Gustavo Silva wants to help! »
Dr. Stephanie Ibemere (DUSON) joins the inaugural class of NIH Pragmatic Trials Collaboratory Fellows. She will collaborate with the Implementation Science Core and GRACE Demonstration Project, advancing her career in pragmatic clinical trials research. The 1-year fellowship empowers her with mentorship, coursework, and professional development opportunities. Read more. read more about Dr. Stephanie Ibemere Joins Inaugural NIH Pragmatic Trials Collaboratory Fellows »
Alison Ashe-Card, a seasoned diversity advocate, has been appointed as the inaugural Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Law School. Formerly with Wake Forest Law, she brings a wealth of DEI experience, including roles in legal organizations. Ashe-Card's appointment in July 2023 underscores her commitment to nurturing an inclusive environment at Duke Law. Dean Kerry Abrams and Professor Veronica Martinez commend her leadership, foreseeing her valuable contributions to the community.… read more about Alison Ashe-Card Named Inaugural Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion »
Professor Mbaye Lo (AMES) has spent nearly two decades researching and sharing the life and writings of Omar ibn Said, a 19th-century West African Muslim scholar who was enslaved in North Carolina. Their efforts have led to the publication of the book "I Cannot Write My Life" and the success of the Pulitzer Prize-winning opera "Omar" by Rhiannon Giddens and Michael Abels. Professor Lo continues to delve into Omar's story, hoping to uncover more Arabic documents and expand the digital repository for enslaved… read more about Unveiling the Untold Story: Professor Mbaye Lo Explores the Life of Enslaved Scholar Omar ibn Said »
Dr. Keisha Bentley-Edwards (SoM) has addressed the critical issue of racial disparities in maternal and infant mortality rates. She underscored the need for sustained attention and action to tackle the ongoing challenges faced by Black women, emphasizing the role of doulas and advocates as potential solutions. Dr. Bentley-Edwards calls for continued dialogue and efforts to lower the distressing statistics. Read more. read more about Dr. Keisha Bentley-Edwards Offers Insights and Solutions to Tackling Racial Disparities in Maternal Health »
Dr. Asiya Gusa, (Molecular genetics) has warned that rising temperatures due to climate change could facilitate the growth of fungi and increase the risk of deadly infections. Dr. Gusa's research suggests that higher temperatures could trigger mutations in fungi, potentially enabling them to adapt and infect hosts or resist drug treatments more effectively. She emphasizes the urgent need for better understanding and new treatments for fungal infections, as they are notoriously challenging to treat. Click to… read more about Inside the Race for the World's First Antifungal Vaccine: Dr. Asiya Gusa Explores Impact of Climate Change »
The demand for reparations for descendants of enslaved Black people is growing louder. Dr. William A. Darity (Sanford) and Kirsten Mullen propose a plan for economic reparations in their book "From Here to Equality," highlighting the racial wealth gap and estimating a minimum of $14 trillion to address it. They argued that reparations are crucial to eliminating intergenerational white supremacy and achieving justice for Black Americans. Read more. read more about Closing the Racial Wealth Gap: Dr. William Darity and Mullen Propose Reparations in 'From Here to Equality’ »
The School of Medicine has established the A. Eugene and Marie Washington Presidential Distinguished Chair, honoring outgoing Chancellor A. Eugene Washington and his wife. This endowed chair aims to recruit and retain outstanding faculty across various disciplines, including those aligned with the Duke Science and Technology initiative. Dr. Kafui Dzirasa (SoM), a renowned psychiatrist and neurobiologist, has been selected as the first recipient, recognized for his transformative research in mental illness… read more about Congratulations to Dr. Kafui Dzirasa, Awarded First Recipient of Presidential Distinguished Chair in Honor of Chancellor Washington »