The University of Michigan is set to spotlight some of its most distinguished faculty members as they share insights from their remarkable careers. On February 11, awardees of the Distinguished University Professorship, an accolade recognizing exceptional academic contributions, will engage with the public at the Michigan Union’s Rogel Ballroom.
Esteemed professors Christian Davenport, Sergey Fomin, and Anna Stefanopoulou will deliver lectures from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by question-and-answer sessions. The event is open to the public and will also feature a livestream option.
The Distinguished University Professorship, initiated by the regents in 1947, honors senior faculty renowned for outstanding scholarly achievements, teaching excellence, and significant contributions to their fields. Honorees often name their professorships after influential figures in their disciplines and provide inaugural lectures highlighting their work.
Below is an overview of each professor’s career and the topics they will discuss:
Christian Davenport
Lecture: “Rebels, Repressors, Regular Folk and Me: A 30 Year Reflection of the last 75 years (in 20 Minutes)”
Holding the Charles Tilly Distinguished University Professorship in Political Science, Christian Davenport’s career spans nearly three decades, focusing extensively on the dynamics of political coercion and conflict. As a professor in multiple departments, including AfroAmerican and African studies and public policy, Davenport has authored five books and over 50 articles. His research delves into the patterns of political violence and resistance worldwide, with notable studies in regions like the United States and Northern Ireland.
Recognized globally through numerous grants and awards, including a fellowship with the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, Davenport’s work influences academia, governments, and civil society. His recent contributions include artistic collaborations and a focus on “Political Love.” As noted by Laurie McCauley and Michael Solomon, “Professor Davenport’s work is characterized by a blend of rigor and accessibility, contributing significantly both to scholarly discourse and policymaking, garnering global recognition.” His presentation will explore the complexities of political violence, from protests to domestic spying, integrating diverse analytical methods.
Sergey Fomin
Lecture: “Weave Patterns and Projective Geometry”
Sergey Fomin, the Richard P. Stanley Distinguished University Professor of Mathematics, has significantly impacted the mathematical community. Originating from St. Petersburg, Russia, and joining U-M after a tenure at MIT, Fomin is best known for his work with Andrei Zelevinsky on cluster algebras. This innovative concept has transformed multiple fields, earning the Steele Prize for Seminal Contribution to Research from the American Mathematical Society in 2018.
As a respected member and fellow of several prestigious societies, Fomin’s work is lauded for its creativity and collegial respect, attributes noted by McCauley and Solomon. His lecture will unveil a connection between combinatorial weave patterns and projective geometry, offering new insights into these classical subjects.
Anna Stefanopoulou
Lecture: “Battery Middle Life Crisis and Decisions”
Anna Stefanopoulou, the Huei Peng Distinguished University Professor of Mechanical Engineering, has been a pioneer in the field of fuel cell and battery control. With a background in naval architecture and electrical engineering, she joined U-M in 2000, establishing a leading research group in propulsion systems. Her patented innovations have influenced policies of global institutions like the EPA and the Department of Energy.
Her extensive mentorship and groundbreaking research have established U-M as a hub for powertrain education. Stefanopoulou’s work has earned her numerous accolades and roles, including consultations with the U.S. Department of Justice. McCauley and Solomon describe her as a bridge between academia, industry, and policy. Her upcoming lecture will address battery lifecycle management, emphasizing the importance of digital models in ensuring longevity and safety.
