Computer science and its products are undoubtedly a key part of our society’s future. As a result, it is of the utmost importance that we ensure diversity in terms of those who are working in computer science, as well as its effects on society. Shani Daily is a professor of practice in Electrical and Computer Engineering & Computer Science at Duke University and was named among North Carolina’s Black STEM Leaders by Governor Roy Cooper this year. Last year, Daily and her colleague Nicki Washington were … read more about Meet Dr. Shani Daily: Creating Pathways to Diversify STEM »
Catherine Coleman Flowers, one of America’s most respected and influential environmental and social justice activists, has been appointed Practitioner-in-Residence at Duke University. Flowers, who was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship in 2020 to support her advocacy for disenfranchised rural communities, began her three-year residency at Duke July 1. She holds shared appointments at the university’s Nicholas School of the Environment, Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, and John Hope Franklin Humanities Institute. Read… read more about Duke Appoints Environmental Justice Advocate Catherine Coleman Flowers as Practitioner-in-Residence »
ANP has awarded Prof. Ragan Johnson, DNP, FNP-BC, CNE, associate professor, the NP Award for her health equity work. Prof. Johnson develops and disseminates nurse-led models of health care to reduce health disparities and strengthen nurse leadership in policy making. Read more on Nursing News read more about Dr. Ragan Johnson (Nursing) Recognized for Accomplishments with AANP State Award for Excellence »
Assistant Professor Tracie Canada (Ph.D., University of Virginia, 2020) is a cultural anthropologist with research and teaching interests in race, sport, kinship, and the performing body. Her dissertation and in-progress book manuscript, Tackling the Everyday: Race, Family, and Nation in Big-Time College Football, describes and theorizes the lived experiences of Black college football players. She moves off the gridiron into the daily lives of the young Black athletes who sustain this American sport.… read more about Welcome CulAnth's New Assistant Professor Tracie Canada »
Nurse-midwives and educators from three prominent research universities have teamed up to improve pregnancy outcomes in Black communities by providing specialized training for doulas, persons who support birthing mothers and families through the entire process of childbirth. The Alliance of Black Doulas for Black Mamas is led by Duke University School of Nursing Assistant Professor Jacquelyn McMillian-Bohler, PhD, CNM, and Vanderbilt University School of Nursing Associate Professor Stephanie DeVane-… read more about Professor Jacquelyn McMillian-Bohler (Nursing) and colleagues at Vanderbilt, and UNC Join Forces to Reduce Black Maternal Health Risks »
In this episode of the Duke Law Podcast, the Duke Center for Firearms Law discusses the U.S. Supreme Court’s landmark decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen on June 23, 2022. Join Profs. Darrell A. H. Miller (Law) and colleagues for a broad-ranging conversation on the implications of the Court’s decision and the unanswered questions that could lead to further litigation. Read more on Duke Today read more about UNANSWERED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SUPREME COURT’S RULING ON GUN RIGHTS »
How we relate to social groups, members of our own and others, influences how inequality arises and persists. That’s according to a Duke professor and pioneer in stratification economics, which combines sociology, social psychology, history, and economics to deepen understanding of persistent racial and ethnic disparities. "For the stratification economist, the world consists of self-seeking 'tribes' engaged in a persistent dance of negotiation and conflict, which can lead to dehumanization and repression of subordinated… read more about Sandy Darity: HOW GROUP IDENTITIES FUEL INEQUALITY »
Summary: Title IX is often associated with expanding participation for girls and women in sports. Political scientist Deondra Rose, a professor and author of a book on the advancement of women in education, comments on the Title IX, which was enacted 50 years ago on June 23, 1972. Quotes: “Title IX has played a central role in transforming the gender dynamics of colleges and universities,” says Duke University political scientist Deondra Rose.… read more about Sports Aside, Title IX Transformed Education Through ‘Stealth Politics’ »
The [wealth] disparity leaves many Black Americans without the funds to help offset the rising consumer prices and puts greater pressure on their monthly income. Some economists fear that if lawmakers don’t act soon to combat inflation, Black families may be forced to go without necessities as the threat of another recession looms. Check out Prof. Darity's recent contribution to several news outlets: CNN: As inflation soars, Black Americans bear the brunt of rising grocery, gas and housing prices STLAmerican: … read more about As inflation rises world wide, Prof. William Darity (Sanford) discusses economic inequalities and their impact on Black families. »
Dr. Pankey joined the Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences faculty as an assistant professor in September 2021, after completing a post-doctoral fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, where he specialized in transgender and intersex health and family medicine residency education. Prior to his fellowship, he earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a master’s degree in public health at the University of Kansas School of Medicine and Public Health, and a doctoral degree in… read more about Meet Dr. Tyson Pankey (SoM): A champion for Affirming Culturally Responsive Health Care »
Over the past two years, it has become ever more apparent that the success of Duke’s mission as an educational and research institution critically depends on our ability to make sustained progress in creating an equitable environment where all can learn, discover and grow. Quite simply, we cannot be the institution we aspire to be and continue to lead nationally and internationally if we do not meaningfully address disparities in the lived experiences of our staff, students and faculty. Integrating racial equity in… read more about A Report From the Duke Racial Equity Advisory Council (REAC) »
After 30 years at Duke and The Graduate School, Looney will retire from her role as senior associate dean and associate vice provost at the end of June, concluding a career in which she left her mark on many aspects of the graduate student experience. Learn more about Dean's Looney remarkable contribution to graduate education here read more about Dean Looney Wraps Up a Career that Was Anything but Routine »
For every dollar of wealth owned by the average US white household, the average Black household has ten cents. The ARC of Justice, grounded in the scholarship of prominent African American economist William Darity Jr., explores how that racial wealth gap came to be. The series is unique in that it focuses on the roots of the racial wealth gap in U.S. policy. It combines scholarly expertise with historical and contemporary real-world stories and voices of ordinary citizens like Hortense McClinton, a 102-year-old woman whose… read more about Podcast Arc of Justice with Prof. William Darity (Sanford) is now being offered nationally to public radio stations by American Public Media! »
In November 2021, Dr. Thomas, an electrophysiologist and associate professor of medicine in Duke’s Division of Cardiology, was named the Duke University School of Medicine’s vice dean for equity, diversity, and inclusion by Dean Mary E. Klotman. The role is a first for the school, and was among the key action items outlined in the anti-racism and advancing equity strategic plan launched by the School of Medicine in June 2021. Thomas has been at Duke for more than 22 years, making a mark on health disparities research in… read more about Meet Dr. Kevin Thomas (SoM): Leading the School of Medicine Toward a More Equitable Future »
About a year ago, Dr. Anthony Kelley woke up with a tune in his head. He added rhythm and layered sounds and melodies, constructing an early scaffolding for the first movement of the passion project: a new musical work completed in April. On June 18, in commemoration of Juneteenth, Spirituals of Liberation was performed for an audience for the first time by the North Carolina Symphony at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary. Read more about "Spirituals of Liberation" on Duke Today. read more about New Music by Professor and Composer Dr. Anthony Kelley (Music) Explores Juneteenth »
While cells in the respiratory system are the initial target of SARS-CoV-2, there is mounting evidence that COVID-19 is a multi-organ disease. The Musah lab made new discoveries on how the virus is able to bind and invade kidney cells. Forbes 1: A Dynamic Duo: How ACE-2 And CD147 Mediate Covid-19 Infection In The Kidneys Forbes 2: Targets for Infection: How SARS-CoV-2 Damages the Kidneys Article: SARS-CoV-2 Employ BSG/CD147 and ACE2 Receptors to… read more about New COVID research from Dr. Samira Musah (Pratt/SoM) Is Highlighted in Two Forbes Magazine Articles! »
On a Tuesday afternoon in late May, around two dozen members of the staff and faculty of the Duke University School of Medicine’s Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development – commonly known as the Duke Aging Center – gathered to commemorate the opening of its new meeting and collaboration spaces in Duke Clinics. Once rooms filled with old scientific equipment and massive early computers, the spaces had been transformed over recent months into a modern 700-square foot meeting venue and, a floor below, a 365-square… read more about Prof. Tyson Brown (Sociology) Participates in the Opening of the new Space of the Duke Aging Center. »
Most current Duke students have grown up in politically fractured times, and they may not have been exposed to opposing viewpoints. “If we do our work as intended, we’ll encourage our students to engage in difficult topics in depth,” said Gary Bennett, vice provost for undergraduate education and professor of psychology and neuroscience, global health and medicine. But many colleagues said their students were resistant to having tough conversations. “Faculty come to us all the time and ask, ‘I’m dealing with a… read more about Prof. Deondra Rose (Sanford) Shared Insights on Discussing Controversial Topics in the Classroom. »
This semester, Theater Studies welcomed Associate Professor Douglas A. Jones, Jr. to the department. Before arriving at Duke, Jones served as faculty in the Department of English at Rutgers and was previously a fellow in the Society of Fellows at Princeton. He holds a Ph.D. in drama and humanities from Stanford University and earned his B.F.A. in theater at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. Although dramatic literature is his primary literary form, Jones has worked deeply in other cultural… read more about Dr. Douglas Jones Finds the Theatrical in the Political »
The first round of University-Wide Collaboration Grants on Climate Change will fund eight Duke University faculty teams to lay the groundwork for new research on climate change and its impacts. The teams will investigate topics including planetary engineering, climate justice, low-carbon heating and cooling methods, lithium mining, agricultural histories, coastal resilience, and the impacts of extreme weather on forest ecosystems. Among the awardees are Drs. Thavolia Glymph (History), Brain McAdoo… read more about Faculty Teams Awarded University-Wide Collaboration Grants on Climate Change »
Each year, prestigious academies elect members across disciplines in recognition of outstanding achievements. Members of these academies are considered the world's most distinguished in their field. This year, Prof. Darity was elected into the American Academy of Political and Social Science. William A. (“Sandy”) Darity Jr. is the Samuel DuBois Cook Professor of Public Policy, African and African American Studies, Economics, and Business at Duke University. He is the founding director of Duke’s Samuel DuBois Cook Center on… read more about Congratulations to Dr. William Darity (Sanford) elected into the prestigious American Academy of Political and Social Science! »
Americans heading to the beach, backyard barbecues or long family road trips this summer might consider packing masks, test kits and a little common sense along with their swim trunks and sunscreen. While COVID is still with us, it’s far more manageable now if people think about their surroundings and personal health situations as they head outside to blow off some steam, two Duke health experts said Wednesday. In a virtual media briefing for journalists, Duke Regional Hospital Chief Medical officer Adia Ross and Duke… read more about Dr. Adia Ross (SoM) Discusses Latest Increase in COVID Cases and How to Manage This New Wave »
When asked recently what the impact of an overturned Roe v Wade would have on his state’s high maternal mortality rates, Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy — who is also a physician — responded: “About a third of our population is African American; African Americans have a higher incidence of maternal mortality. So, if you correct our population for race, we’re not as much of an outlier as it’d otherwise appear. For whatever reason, people of color have a higher incidence of maternal mortality.” As a population health scientist,… read more about Prof. Jay Pearson (Sanford) responds to Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy on the impact of overturning Roe v. Wade in maternal mortality rates. »
Abbas Benmamoun, who has served as Duke University’s vice provost for faculty advancement since 2017, has been reappointed to a second term beginning July 1, 2022, Provost Sally Kornbluth announced today. Benmamoun leads the Office for Faculty Advancement, which was created in 2017 to support faculty excellence and promote an equitable and inclusive academic environment. Read more on Duke Today. read more about Text Dr. Abbas Benmamoun Reappointed as Vice Provost for Faculty Advancement »
As a member of an independent antiracism task force of bioethicists, Kenan Senior Fellow Patrick T. Smith co-edited a recently published Hastings Center report, “A Critical Moment in Bioethics: Reckoning with Anti-Black Racism through Intergenerational Dialogue.” Read more here read more about Dr. Patrick Smith (Divinity) call on bioethics to address racial inequalities in health care »
Cells are stressed by factors that may damage them, such as extreme temperatures, toxic substances, or mechanical shocks. When this happens, they undergo a range of molecular changes called the cellular stress response. DURHAM, N.C. – A gene that has been associated with severe learning disabilities in humans has been found to also play a vital role in cells’ response to environmental stress, according to a Duke University study appearing May 24 in the journal Cell Reports. Read more on Duke Today read more about GENE LINKED TO SEVERE LEARNING DISABILITIES GOVERNS CELL STRESS RESPONSE »
Each year, the Arts & Sciences Council honors outstanding faculty members for their teaching, service, mentoring and research. Since her arrival, Dean Valerie Ashby has also bestowed honors on those who distinguished themselves through leadership and the advancement of diversity. Drs. Shaundra Daily and Nicki Washington (CompSci) were awarded the Dean's Diversity Award. The professors designed the Cultural Competence in Computing Fellows Program – known as 3C – to… read more about Washington, Daily, and Powell receive Trinity Dean's Awards »
Four faculty members have been named 2022 Bass Chairs and inducted into the Bass Society of Fellows in recognition of their demonstrated excellence in both teaching and research. President Vincent Price and Provost Sally Kornbluth recognized the 2022 Bass Chairs, as well as those named in 2021 and 2020, during a reception at the J.B. Duke Hotel Tuesday evening. Dr. Deondra Rose, Kevin D. Gorter Associate Professor of the Sanford School of Public Policy, was awarded for her true excellence in both research and… read more about Dr. Deondra Rose Among Four Faculty Named 2022 Bass Chairs »
A group of Black college graduates from various institutions, ranging from Howard University to Oxford University to Duke University, believe there is power in connection and the collective voice of Black alumni to make change. The Black Alumni Collective is a national network of Black alumni committed to unifying and empowering Black alumni, individuals and groups, through civic engagement, economics, and advocacy. Speakers included Dr. Eugene Washington, chancellor for health affairs at Duke and… read more about Black Alumni Collective Holds National Conference at Duke University »