Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University has announced the recipients of 43 Faculty Research and Creative Activity Fellowships for the 2025-26 academic year. The awards, approved by the University's Board of Regents on June 26, will enable faculty members to engage in research across various subjects. These include artificial intelligence development, racial battle fatigue among Black women in higher education, and environmental justice related to water pricing in Michigan.

The fellowships are awarded through a competitive process and offer up to full release time from teaching duties for one semester. This allows faculty to focus on research or creative projects that could lead to future scholarly work and external funding opportunities.

The selection of fellowship recipients is conducted by the University Research and Sabbatical Leave Committee, which makes recommendations to the Provost and Executive Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs.

Among this year's awardees are Munther Abualkibash for his work on enhancing IoT security through machine learning; Suleiman Asher focusing on traffic safety near Detroit high schools; Leslie Atzmon developing a textbook on biodesign; Cassandra Barragan creating a social impact measurement scale for community fitness programs; and Selyna Beverly examining STEM instructor beliefs about inclusivity.

Eastern Michigan University was founded in 1849 as Michigan's second oldest public university. It serves nearly 13,000 students across more than 300 programs. EMU is recognized for its excellence, diversity, and applied education focus. Further information can be found on their website or EMU Today portal.