Union College has broadened its academic horizons with the arrival of 19 distinguished new faculty members, reinforcing its commitment to academic excellence across a diverse range of disciplines. Among these accomplished individuals are scholars whose work is notably supported by esteemed programs such as the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation ACLS Early Career Fellowship Program, a testament to the caliber of talent Union College continues to attract.
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation ACLS Early Career Fellowship Program is a highly competitive and prestigious initiative that supports early career scholars in the humanities and social sciences. Administered by the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS), this fellowship program provides crucial funding and recognition to researchers at a pivotal point in their careers, enabling them to dedicate themselves to significant projects of scholarly inquiry. Fellowships like these are instrumental in fostering innovative research and ensuring the vitality of humanistic scholarship for future generations. Union College’s success in attracting faculty supported by such programs underscores its dedication to fostering a vibrant intellectual environment.
Among the new faculty, Alvaro Jarrin, joining the Anthropology department as a visiting assistant professor, exemplifies the prestige associated with the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation ACLS Early Career Fellowship Program. Dr. Jarrin earned his Ph.D. from Duke University and brings expertise in cultural anthropology, particularly focusing on gender and culture. His research, supported by the Mellon/ACLS fellowship, delves into the complex relationship between beauty standards in Brazil and societal inequalities, examining the ongoing pursuit of a more egalitarian society. His course offerings will include explorations of gender and culture, enriching the anthropological perspectives available to Union College students.
Adding further depth to the Anthropology department is Paul Christensen, also a visiting assistant professor. Dr. Christensen, holding a Ph.D. from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, specializes in the cultural contexts of alcoholism and masculinity in Japan, as evidenced by his dissertation, “The Fragility of Sobriety: Alcoholism and Masculinity in Japan.” His experience extends beyond research to include program coordination at the Center for Japanese Studies and teaching on contemporary culture, using popular media like “The Wire” to engage students.
The Biology department welcomes Roman Yukilevich as an assistant professor. Dr. Yukilevich, a Ph.D. graduate in evolutionary biology from the State University of New York at Stony Brook, comes from a postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of Chicago. His research interests span speciation, population genomics, and the genetic underpinnings of complex traits, promising to bring cutting-edge biological inquiry to Union College.
In Chemistry, Charles Rutkowski transitions from adjunct assistant professor to visiting assistant professor. Dr. Rutkowski earned his Ph.D. from the University of Colorado in Boulder, with a focus on electron transfer reactions involving ruthenium complexes. His prior industry experience further enriches his perspective and teaching capabilities.
The Classics department expands with visiting assistant professor James Tan, a recent Ph.D. recipient from Columbia University. Dr. Tan’s research centers on Roman and Greek history, particularly revenue, rulers, and population dynamics in the Roman Republic, the subject of his Whiting Foundation Fellowship-funded dissertation.
Computer Science gains Nicholas Webb as a visiting assistant professor. Dr. Webb holds a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Sheffield and has an extensive background in research, including at the Institute for Informatics, Logics and Security Studies at the University at Albany. His expertise includes securing funding for research initiatives and social robotics.
Electrical and Computer Engineering welcomes Takashi Buma as an assistant professor. Dr. Buma, previously at the University of Delaware and the University of Michigan, brings significant research funding, including two NSF awards, to Union College. His research focuses on optoacoustic arrays and photoacoustic microscopy for advanced biomedical imaging.
Economics is strengthened by the arrival of Daisy Nuñez Parrado as a Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow in Environmental Economics. Dr. Parrado’s research from the Universidad Austral de Chile focuses on the economic impact of recreational fishing in Chilean Patagonia, alongside broader interests in natural resource management and conservation. Yufei Ren joins as a visiting assistant professor, bringing expertise in experimental and behavioral economics from Virginia Tech University and the University of Texas at Dallas.
English welcomes Andrew Burkett as an assistant professor. Dr. Burkett, a Ph.D. from Duke University, specializes in British Romanticism, evolutionary theory, and media studies. His prior teaching experience at Wake Forest University includes recognition for teaching excellence.
History adds Cheong Soon Gan as a visiting instructor, holding a Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley, specializing in Malaysian nationalism and ethnic conflict. Kathleen McIntyre also joins as a visiting instructor, with dissertation research on Protestantism in Oaxaca, bringing experience from Southwestern University and fellowship recognition.
Mathematics welcomes Leila Khatami as an assistant professor. Dr. Khatami, a Ph.D. from the University of Tehran, specializes in algebra and algebraic geometry, with postdoctoral experience at Northeastern University and teaching at Harvard University.
Modern Languages expands with Vlad Dima, a visiting assistant professor of French. Dr. Dima, a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, brings expertise in French and film studies, along with experience in language education workshops.
Music welcomes John Cox as a lecturer. Dr. Cox, with a Ph.D. in musical arts from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, is an experienced conductor and chorus master.
Physics and Astronomy adds Evan Halstead as a visiting instructor. Dr. Halstead, a Ph.D. from the University at Buffalo, specializes in cosmology and astrophysics, with experience teaching physics and MCAT preparation.
Sociology welcomes Linda Mertz as a visiting assistant professor. Ms. Mertz, with an M.S.W. from Boston College, brings extensive experience in geriatric care and social work, particularly in aging projects and Alzheimer’s support.
Theater and Dance gains Robert Bovard as a visiting assistant professor, technical director, and lighting designer. Mr. Bovard, holding an M.F.A., has a broad background in theater production management and technical direction across various institutions.
Visual Arts welcomes Sheri Lullo as an assistant professor. Dr. Lullo, a Ph.D. in art history from the University of Pittsburgh, specializes in Chinese art and has teaching experience in Asian art history.
This influx of new faculty, including scholars recognized by prestigious programs like the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation ACLS Early Career Fellowship Program, marks an exciting chapter for Union College. Their diverse expertise and dedication to research and teaching will undoubtedly enrich the academic experience for students and further solidify Union College’s position as a leading liberal arts institution.
