Category: Current Junior Fellows

We are delighted to introduce the newest members of the prestigious Michigan Society of Fellows. After an extensive selection process from over 860 highly qualified applicants, six outstanding scholars have been chosen to embark on an exciting three-year journey as postdoctoral fellows and non-tenure track assistant professors at the University of Michigan.

These distinguished fellows were selected for their exceptional scholarship and their commitment to collaborative, interdisciplinary research. During their tenure at Michigan, they will contribute to the academic community through innovative teaching and pioneering research, embodying the spirit of intellectual exploration that the Society of Fellows stands for.

A Focus on Exceptional Scholarship

The new junior fellows each bring a unique perspective and expertise to their respective fields, which include law, astronomy, history of art, and more. These scholars will engage with diverse research questions, from the microcosms of everyday life in historical contexts to the vast reaches of space. The interdisciplinary nature of their work promises to foster cross-departmental collaborations and enhance the educational experience for students and faculty alike.

The new junior fellows, with their affiliated department at Michigan, their degree-granting institution, and their research project are:

Looking Forward

We warmly welcome these exceptional scholars to the University of Michigan and eagerly anticipate the significant contributions they will make to our vibrant academic community. Their groundbreaking work promises to foster a new era of intellectual growth and interdisciplinary collaboration. With projects ranging from exploring the complexities of historical legal systems to examining the cosmic phenomena that shape our universe, each fellow is poised to make a lasting impact. Stay tuned for the inspiring advancements they are set to achieve in the coming years!

By nurturing a scholarly environment underpinned by curiosity and innovation, the Michigan Society of Fellows continues to lead the way in academic excellence and discovery.

Dr. Anne Kort recently delivered a captivating presentation titled “Bridging Mammalian Locomotion Past and Present” at the University of Michigan, where she is a Second Fellow at the Society of Fellows. With a robust academic background in earth science and geological sciences from the University of Minnesota and Indiana University, Dr. Kort brings her passion for uncovering evolutionary mysteries into focus. Her research journey delves deep into how mammalian movement has evolved over millennia in response to changing environments. By examining how animals like Michigan’s mascot, the Wolverine, navigate their ecosystems, Dr. Kort aims to unravel the intricate dance between an animal’s morphology and its environmental interactions.

Her work employs state-of-the-art tools like GPS tracking and CT scans to explore these evolutionary changes. By studying both ancient fossils and modern movement patterns, Dr. Kort offers insights into how past climates and landscapes influenced the creatures of today. Her approach investigates not only daily locomotion but also the evolutionary lineage over time. During the presentation, she highlighted groundbreaking findings that show how slight morphological adaptations can lead to significant functional diversity within species. For example, her research has explored how variations in limb structure impact the locomotion strategies of different mammal species, providing a window into their adaptive strategies.

Moreover, Dr. Kort discussed the implications of these evolutionary patterns for understanding current biodiversity and conservation efforts. By predicting how animals might continue to adapt, her research holds significance for preserving species facing rapidly changing climates. Her work underscores the importance of integrating paleontological data with modern biology to enrich our understanding of life’s resilience through time.

For those interested in the dynamic interplay of structure and movement across the ages, you can watch the full presentation on the Michigan Society of Fellows YouTube channel.