Ann Arbor Times

Eastern Michigan University has announced the recipients of sabbatical leaves for the 2025–26 academic year. The awards are aimed at fostering academic research, enhancing student learning, and contributing to community and global impact. The University's Board of Regents approved these sabbaticals on June 26.

The sabbaticals offer faculty members either one semester at full pay or two semesters at half pay. Those on two-semester sabbaticals may receive up to $12,000 in research support upon approval. The University Research and Sabbatical Leave Committee reviews all proposals before making recommendations to the provost and executive vice president of Academic and Student Affairs.

For the upcoming academic year, Eastern Michigan University will grant 14 one-semester and eight two-semester sabbatical leaves. The following is a list of award recipients along with their areas of study:

One-semester leaves include Adam Briggs from Psychology, focusing on "Supporting the Development and Launch of an Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit for Addressing the Severe Behavior Crisis with Autistic Individuals in Michigan: Establishing a Site for Student Training and Research Experiences." Karen Ann Craig from Accounting, Finance, and Information Systems will work on “Direct Indexing: The DIY Investor's Dream.” Marguerite DeBello from Nursing plans to develop an educational health literacy strategy. Xianghong Feng from Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology will conduct ethnographic fieldwork related to WeChat use in China.

Brandon Johnson from Music and Dance is collaborating with The Detroit Institute of Arts on choral music and visual arts projects. Jeannette Kindred from Communication, Media, and Theater Arts aims to revise communication curricula. Jamie Lawler from Psychology is developing a school-based self-regulation intervention in Greece. Paul Leighton from Sociology is continuing work on a book manuscript titled "Informed Aging."

MeeAe Nam from Music plans vocal pedagogy workshops in Asia while David Pawlowski from Physics explores emotional intelligence's role in job performance across borders. Ivan Rodriguez investigates pollution havens' influence on mergers while Ken Saldana compares social services perspectives using Australia as a case study.

T. Daniel Seely delves into linguistic structures while John Staunton examines narrative techniques in Kate Chopin's fiction.

Two-semester leave recipients include Ruth Ann Armitage who focuses on chemical analyses in archaeology; Peter Bednekoff integrates road crossings for ecological benefits; Adam Briggs repeats his behavioral health unit project; Ovidiu Calin explores deep learning applications; Devika Dibya Choudhuri develops trauma interventions; Claudia Drossel writes about behavior analysis foundations; Siyuan Jiang studies computer science education accessibility; Samir Tout advances AI/ML cybersecurity research.

Founded in 1849 as Michigan’s second oldest public university, EMU serves nearly 13,000 students across various disciplines through its diverse colleges offering over 300 programs. For more information about Eastern Michigan University visit their official website or stay updated via EMU Today.