Rev. Dr. Williams, (Divinity) has been appointed as the Director of the Office of Black Church Studies to provide transformative theological learning experiences for students. Inspired by his academic and ministerial formation at Duke, he is committed to confronting the past and fostering liberating theological visions for the church in a rapidly changing world. Read more. read more about Rev. Dr. Eric Williams appointed to lead the Office of Black Church Studies »
Dr. Mark Anthony Neal’s (AAAS) Webby-nominated web series “Left of Black” is back with its season 14! The season’s inaugural guest is Dr. Jasmine Cobb, Professor of African & African American Studies and Art, Art History, and Visual Studies at Duke. Their discussion centered on her groundbreaking book, New Growth: The Art and Texture of Black Hair (2022), which explores the significance of Afro-textured Black hair and its intricate relationship with the body, space, and visual culture.… read more about 'Left of Black’ Season 14 Kickoff: Dr. Neal’s web series opens with conversation with Jasmine Cobb on Black hair »
Congratulations to Dr. Annette Joseph-Gabriel for being appointed the John Spencer Bassett Associate Professor of Romance Studies. In a statement to colleagues, department Chair Martin Eisner said: “This distinction recognizes Annette’s powerful and field-defining scholarship, which she crafts into works of remarkable narrative and theoretical sophistication. Read more. read more about Dr. Annette Joseph-Grabriel Appointed John Spencer Bassett Associate Professor »
Dr. Andrew Jones, (Pratt) was selected by the Office of Postdoctoral Services (OPS) as the 2023 Outstanding Postdoc Mentor. Dr. Jones was nominated by his postdoctoral trainees who praised him for his exceptional dedication to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment, championing gender equality, and empowering diverse voices in academia. The OPS also recognized Dr. Géssica Barros, a postdoctoral fellow with Dr. Gustavo Silva (Biology) with the 2023 Outstanding Postdoc Award. Read… read more about Dr. Andrew Jones Earns 2023 Outstanding Postdoctoral Mentor Award. »
Drs. Jennifer Nash (GSFS) and Jay Pearson (Sanford), have been selected as Ivy+ Provost Leadership Fellows for 2023-2024, showcasing Duke's commitment to equity-centered academic leadership. These fellowships, organized by the Ivy+ Faculty Advancement Network (FAN), recognize their positions as leaders within their respective departments and their dedication to promoting inclusivity and equity within the academic community. Read more. read more about Congratulations to Drs. Nash and Pearson, The New 2023-2024 Ivy+ Provost Leadership Fellows! »
The Social Science Research Institute (SSRI) at Duke University has invited grant applications from Duke University faculty to study social science research topics of their choice. Among the awardees, Dr. Sarah Gaither's (Psych&Neuro) aims to diversify developmental science by improving community partnerships and training undergraduates; and Prof. Geovanni Martinez's (Law) will host events on the potential effects of generative artificial intelligence on marginalized groups. Read… read more about Dr Gaither and Prof. Martinez selected for the Social Science Research Institute grant »
Dr. Tracie Canada (CulAnth) is a leader in public scholarship who draws from her ethnographic work to expand her research beyond academic scholars. This month, Dr. Canada 1) presented at the “Revaluing Care” Seminar series and wrote about football brotherhood and caring masculinities; 2) was interviewed by journalist Dave Zirin for his podcast The Edge of Sports to discuss her forthcoming book and the exploitative nature of Black college football players; and 3) was a panelist for the R&D Salon about “… read more about 3X Dr. Tracie Canada! Translating the Exploitative Experience of Black College Football Players »
Congratulations to Dr. Samira Musah (SoM), for being awarded the National Institutes of Health's New Innovator Award to conduct groundbreaking research on repairing damaged kidney cells using stem cells, with the aim of advancing kidney disease treatment. The NIH Director’s New Innovator Award supports highly innovative research from promising early-stage investigators. Read more about the project and award here. read more about Dr. Samira Musah (SoM) Awarded $1.5 Million in NIH High-Risk, High-Reward Grants »
Dr. Adrienne Stiff-Roberts (Pratt) is the 2022-2023 Presidential fellow working on new photovoltaic technology to improve the efficiency of solar cells. Her team has developed a novel approach for depositing hybrid materials that combine inorganic and large organic compounds, potentially leading to more efficient solar panels and better renewable energy solutions. Read more about her research on the Duke DST initiative. read more about Meet Dr. Adrienne Stiff-Roberts: Building a Better Solar Cell »
Dr. Sharieka Botex, joined the faculty of the Thompson Writing Program (Trinity), where she will assist students and faculty colleagues in examining and enhancing their writing relationships, drawing from her background in writing and dialogue. Dr. Botex hopes to inspire her students to use their own literacy practices for progress and prosperity. Read more about Dr. Botex's journey here. read more about Meet Dr. Sharieka Botex: Passionate About the Power of Writing »
Dr. Bogan has joined the Sanford School as a professor and faculty affiliate in the Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity. Her research focuses on how family structure and mental health influence financial decision-making. Dr. Bogan will teach courses on the Economics of the public sector and inequality, household finance, and public policy. Read more about Dr. Bogan here. read more about Economist Dr. Vicki Bogan Joins Sanford Faculty »
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! »