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 »
Antwan Lofton, Vice President of Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer delivered a message to staff and faculty, recognizing Juneteenth as America's Second Independence Day. The message highlighted the historical significance of Juneteenth and acknowledges the ongoing work toward racial equity at Duke University. Lofton encourages active participation in fostering an inclusive community. Read more. read more about Antwan Lofton Acknowledges Juneteenth as America's Second Independence Day, Calls for Continued Efforts towards Racial Equity »
Dr. Joseph Winters (AAAS) conducts a thorough exploration of Black political thought within the backdrop of the Black Lives Matter movement. He critically examined various perspectives, including intersectionality and Afropessimism, while illuminating the limitations inherent in liberalism. Drawing inspiration from influential figures like Audre Lorde and Toni Cade Bambara, Dr. Winters has authored multiple books, articles, and presentations. His extensive contributions extend beyond academia, as he serves… read more about Dr. Joseph Winters writes on Black Religion and Political Thought »
A new article on Juneteenth in STEM and the barriers to equitable science features 52 Black scientists, including Drs.Kafui Dzirasa(SoM), Sherilynn Black (SoM & Office for Faculty Advancement), Chantell Evans (SoM), and Gustavo Silva (Biology) as contributors. In the article, they establish the context of Juneteenth in STEM and discuss the barriers faced by Black scientists, the struggles they endure, and the lack of recognition they receive. The… read more about Drs. Kafui Dzirasa, Chantell Evans, Sherilynn Black, Gustavo Silva, Contribute to New Article on Juneteenth in STEM »
Dr. Kisha Daniels (Education), director of Duke's Secondary Teacher Preparation Program, is on a mission to promote teaching as an exciting career option. She focuses on diversifying cohorts to benefit all students, especially African American and students of color, by providing relatable teachers with shared cultural and life experiences. Read more. read more about Dr. Kisha Daniels Empowers Students to Discover Their Educational Calling through the Program in Education »
Dr. Luke A. Powery (Divinity) and Dr. Deondra Rose (Sanford) have been named 2022-23 Chron15 Leaders at Duke University. As leaders who champion the university community, they inspire others with their emphasis on values and progress. Dr. Powery specializes in preaching, pneumatology, performance studies, and African diaspora expressions. Dr. Rose's leadership spans various facets of the university, and she has received recognition, including the Susan Tifft Teaching and Mentoring Award for… read more about Congratulations Dr. Luke A. Powery and Dr. Deondra Rose named 2022-23 Chron15 Leaders »
Dr. Kafui Dzirasa (SoM) in their article, highlights the growing trend of emerging scientists opting for more lucrative positions in industry, which poses a threat to the future of biomedical research in America. These early-career researchers are leaving academia due to low pay, overwhelming student debt, and obstacles to establishing their own labs. Inflation has exacerbated the issue, with wages falling behind the rising cost of living, leading to recent strikes like the one at the University of… read more about Kafui Dzirasa: U.S. Must Invest in Emerging Scientists: »
Dr. Carlene Moore (SOM) studies painful conditions like sunburn, migraines, and trigeminal neuralgia. Her lab aims to alleviate the severe pain associated with these conditions. Dr. Moore's personal experience with migraines drives her research on the condition that is complex and poses diagnostic challenges due to its variability. Since 2016, inclusion of both male and female mice in pain studies, as mandated by NIH, has revealed sex-dependent pain mechanisms, expanding the field. Read more about Dr. Moore… read more about Dr. Carlene Moore: Unraveling the Mystery of Migraines »
Dr. Julius Wilder (SOM) will lead a three-year investigational health equity patient education study to examine how diverse populations respond to various patient-education tactics such as print, digital, and video. The goal of the program is to identify health topics and best means for communicating the topics, to develop patient educational content curated for these communities. Read more. read more about Dr. Wilder on Improving Health Literacy in Underserved Communities »
Dr. Makeba Wilbourn (Psych&Neuro) is known for her engaging and dynamic lectures on language development in the department's flagship course, Psych 101. With a commitment to inclusivity and representation, Dr. Wilbourn aims to provide social capital to students who may feel underrepresented. She excels at forging connections with students, particularly Black and first-generation students, serving as a trusted mentor, and a valuable resource for students in need of support and guidance. Learn more about… read more about Dr. Makeba Wilbourn is Helping Students Find Their Voice »
Professor Tyson Brown's (Sociology) new publication explores innovative approaches to studying the impact of structural oppression on health. The work emphasizes the need for measurement that considers the multilevel, multifaceted, and intersectional nature of structural determinants. It recommends using theory-driven methods to examine the structural drivers of health, contributing to understanding health disparities. Get a copy here. read more about Prof. Tyson Brown new publication in the Milbank Quarterly: The Future of Social Determinants of Health. Looking Upstream to Structural Drivers »
Duke’s School of Medicine recognized this month exceptional faculty members with the 2023 Faculty Awards, which celebrates excellence in teaching, research, mentorship, and inclusivity. Among the honorees are: Master Clinician/Teacher Award: Delbert Wigfall, MD (Pediatrics): Michelle P. Winn Inclusive Excellence Award: Tomi Akinyemiju, PhD (Population Health); Early Career Mentoring Award in Basic Science: Wilton Williams, PhD (… read more about Congratulations to the 2023 School of Medicine Faculty Awards »
Congratulations to professors Tracie Canada (CulAnt) Norbert Wilson (Divinity), and Candis Watts Smith (PolSci) who have been awarded Intellectual Community Planning Grants by the Provost's Office at Duke University. They will lead three collaborative projects: “Battle of the Blues: A Critical Study of Big-Time College Sport” (Canada); “Climate Change, Food Systems and Sustainability” (Wilson), and “Triangle Race, Ethnicity and Politics Incubator” (Watts-Smith). These projects involve… read more about Drs. Canada, Wilson, and Watts-Smith to Lead Projects that Will Build Intellectual Communities »
Dr. Chantell Evans (SoM) has been chosen as one of the 31 inaugural Freeman Hrabowski Scholars by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). This prestigious five-year renewable scholarship provides up to $8.6 million in funding, including salary, benefits, research budget, and equipment. Awardees are exceptional early career faculty who have potential to become leaders in their research fields and to create diverse and inclusive lab environments. Dr. Evans will explore how neurons use quality control… read more about Dr. Chantell Evans Named a HHMI Freeman Hrabowski Scholar »
Professor Sarah Gaither (Psych&Neuro) has been named 2023 Bass Chairs and inducted into the Bass Society of Fellows at Duke University. The Bass Chairs were established in 1996 and are recognized for their exceptional contributions in undergraduate teaching, research, and university citizenship. Professor Gaither's work explores social perceptions and behaviors in diverse settings. Read more. read more about Professor Sarah Gaither has been named 2023 Bass Chairs »
Duke University has awarded Distinguished Professorships to Drs. Ashleigh Rosette (Fuqua) and Hedwig Eugenie Lee (Sociology). Prof. Rosette is a professor of Leadership and specializes in diversity and negotiations in organizational settings and. Prof. Lee is a social demographer focusing on the social determinants of health and racial/ethnic disparities resulting from systemic racism. Both scholars have made significant contributions to their fields,… read more about Congratulations Drs. Ashleigh Rosette and Hedwig Lee awarded Duke Distinguished Professorships »
During a recent interview to Al Jazeera Media, Professor Mark Anthony Neal (AAAS) discussed the origins and whitewashing of music genres such as Rock and Roll and Rhythm & Blues, which were created by Black artists but often get appropriated and promoted by white people. Watch the full interview here which focused on important issues on black music exploitation. Read more. read more about Professor Neal sheds light on Who Profits from the Music created by Black artists »
The School of Medicine (SOM) recently invited Dr. Julius Wilder to speak during its Diversity Month celebration in April. During the interview, Dr. Wilder discussed his research on colon cancer, which has shown a significant decrease in deaths overall but remains disproportionately prevalent in communities of color. As a medical sociologist and chair of the equity, diversity, and inclusion and anti-racism committee at the SOM, he emphasized the issue of health disparities… read more about Dr. Wilder features in School of Medicine Interview »
Duke Biomedical Engineering hosted its inaugural Outreach Design Education (ODE) 2-day hackathon. Created by Professor Aaron Kyle (Pratt), ODE teaches young students practical design skills using engineering concepts. The ODE Hackathon event focused on prototype building and microcontroller programming to help middle schoolers develop a STEM identity at a critical time. Read more about Dr. Kyle’s program here. read more about Dr. Kyle’s Outreach Design Education Program helps Middle Schoolers Develop Practical Design Skill »
On this Duke law podcast, professors James Coleman and Elana Fogel expressed their concern regarding the overreporting of Black suspects by US law enforcement agencies on Facebook. The research revealed that the overreporting rate is 25% higher than the actual local arrest rates. They argue that if people perceive Black people as a threat to their community, it could divert attention from identifying the actual source of the problem. Listen to the full episode here. read more about Professors Coleman and Fogel discuss the findings on Facebook overreport on Black suspects »