Category: Alumni Junior Fellows

Publishers Weekly has announced its list of the best books of 2022, divided into 13 categories. Their overall Top 10 includes the latest publication by alumni fellow Gayl Jones (1977-80) entitled The Birdcatcher (Beacon). This novel is also a National Book Award Finalist 2022. Congratulations, Gayl! Find out more about this stunning new novel about Black American artists in exile.

Aniket Aga, alumni fellow (2016-18) and associate professor of environmental studies at Ashoka University in Sonipat, Haryana, India, published a new book entitled Genetically Modified Democracy — Transgenic Crops in Contemporary India (Yale Press). Aga illustrates how state, science, and agrarian capitalism interact in novel ways to transform how democracy is lived and understood, and sheds light on the dynamics of technological change in populous, unequal polities. Read more about this publication.

Tung-Hui Hu, alumni fellow (2009-12) and associate professor of English language and literature at the University of Michigan, recently published a new book entitled Digital Lethargy: Dispatches from an Age of Disconnection (MIT Press). This work explores the exhaustion, disappointment, and listlessness experienced under digital capitalism through works by contemporary artists, writers, and performers. Read more about this publication.

The MIT Press Reader published an adapted excerpt from the book.

Vyta Pivo, assistant professor of architecture, named one of eight named Public Art and Engagement Fellows by the Arts Initiative, a program committed to amplifying the role and significance of arts within the campus and regional communities. Congratulations, Vyta! Read on for more details about the fellowship and awardees.

Vyta Pivo, assistant professor of architecture, sits down with the co-hosts of The Conversation to discuss the history of concrete and its role in global carbon emissions and the creation of urban heat islands. Listen to learn more.

Rijul Kochhar, assistant professor of anthropology, recently received the 2021-22 Siegel Teaching Prize from his doctoral institution, MIT, in recognition of his graduate student teaching. The Siegel Teaching Prize was established 16 years ago to recognize History, Anthropology, and Science, Technology, and Society (HASTS) graduate students who have excelled in their commitment to and performance in MIT’s undergraduate teaching program. This award was given to Rijul for his exceptional contribution to the Science, Technology, and Society course entitled “Technology and Culture” (STS21A.500/STS.075) taught by Professor Stefan Helmreich. This subject examines relationships among technology, culture, and politics in a range of social and historical settings. Congratulations, Rijul!

Eric Plemons alumni fellow (2012-15) and associate professor of anthropology at the University of Arizona-Tucson named one of the 2022-23 Public Scholars by the National Endowment for the Humanities. This award supports Eric’s ongoing research on the ethics and history of how transgender medical procedures have supported more traditional reproduction and organ transplant technologies. His forthcoming book is tentatively entitled “What to Make of Me: The Transgender Body as a Valuable Resource.” Congratulations, Eric! Learn more about Eric’s research.

Mitchell Newberry, assistant professor of complex systems, says examining trends in the popularity of baby names and dog breeds can be a proxy for understanding ecological and evolutionary change. Mitchell explains.

Neil Gong, alumni fellow (2019-21) and assistant professor of sociology at UC San Diego, and colleague Alex V. Barnard offer their perspective on California Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed Care Courts have set off a debate about civil rights and human needs. Read their perspective at the Washington Post.

Giorgio Bertellini, alumni fellow (2001-04) and professor of film, television, and media, and romance languages and literatures at the University of Michigan is among 180 writers, scholars, artists, and scientists awarded 2022 fellowships by the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation. Congratulations, Giorgio!