Key Appointments and Honors Highlight University Community Members’ Achievements
Arthur “Skip” Lupia, recognized for his valuable contributions to research and innovation, has been appointed as the third co-chair of the Strategic Council for Research Excellence, Integrity, and Trust. Lupia’s involvement with the council dates back to its inception in 2021. He replaces France Córdova, who stepped down after a four-year tenure. As the lead author of a notable 2024 PNAS article and an advocate for the August 2025 memorandum, he advances research integrity and ethics. The Strategic Council operates under the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, aiming to enhance research enterprise effectiveness. Read more.
Luke Shaefer, a leading figure in social policy, has been appointed as the chief executive of Health, Human Services, and Poverty Solutions for Detroit. As part of Mayor Mary Sheffield’s administration, Shaefer will lead efforts to address health disparities and homelessness with innovative strategies. Currently the Hermann and Amalie Kohn Professor, Shaefer will temporarily step away from the University of Michigan to assume this new role. His work with Poverty Solutions has previously involved collaboration with the city to promote economic mobility. Under Sheffield’s leadership, the partnership with U-M Poverty Solutions will be expanded. Read more.
Kon-Well Wang, an influential figure in engineering, has been named an American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Fellow for 2026. This honor recognizes his significant advancements in adaptive structures, benefiting aerospace systems. Wang expressed his gratitude saying, “I am greatly honored to be recognized by my peers and colleagues for this prestigious fellowship.” AIAA is a prominent aerospace society with members across 85 countries. Read more.
Adela Pinch, professor emerita, has won the Modern Language Association of America’s prestigious James Russell Lowell Prize for her book “The Location of Experience: Victorian Women Writers, the Novel, and the Feeling of Living.” Pinch’s work delves into the insights of Victorian women writers, contributing significantly to the field of English literature. The award recognizes outstanding literary or linguistic studies. Honorable mentions include Jonathan Elmer and Damion Searls for their contributions to the field.
Gaurav G. Desai, a prominent English literature scholar, has been elected second vice president of the Modern Language Association. His term will span until January 2029, eventually leading to his presidency. Kate Ostrom, a lecturer in romance languages, has been elected to the Executive Council for a four-year term. Their roles will influence the MLA’s direction and policies.
Barry Rabe, a distinguished political science scholar, has been honored with the Elinor Ostrom Career Achievement Award by the American Political Science Association. This award, named after a notable political scientist, acknowledges Rabe’s impactful research in environmental policy. His work is lauded for its intellectual merit and relevance to public policy, including his acclaimed book “Statehouse and Greenhouse.” Rabe’s career at U-M spanned nearly four decades, focusing on federalism and policy issues. Read more.
At its recent meeting, the American Astronomical Society recognized several U-M researchers. Mary Anne Limbach was awarded the 2026 Annie Jump Cannon Award for her pioneering work on white dwarf exoplanets. Jon Miller and Michael Meyer were named AAS Fellows. Meyer’s contributions to infrared instrumentation and mentoring, and Miller’s work in high energy astrophysics, were highlighted. Miller will also serve as vice chair of the AAS High Energy Division, supporting advancements in X-ray and gamma-ray astronomy.
— Submit requests for faculty or staff Accolades to recordeditors@umich.edu. Please attach a photo if you wish for one to be included.
