On September 25, three esteemed recipients of the University of Michigan’s Distinguished University Professorship will present career highlights in Alexander G. Ruthven’s University Hall. Roger Cone, Deborah Dash Moore, and Jeff Fessler will each deliver speeches, followed by short Q&A sessions, between 4 and 6 p.m. The public is invited, and the event will be available via livestream here.
The Board of Regents awarded these honors in 2024 to celebrate senior faculty with outstanding scholarly or creative achievements alongside notable teaching, mentoring, and service records. This recognition, established in 1947, is a testament to national and global academic excellence.
Each honoree names their professorship after a distinguished individual in their field, often linked to the university. New appointees also present an inaugural lecture to showcase their professional journey.
Roger D. Cone
“How the Brain Regulates Body Weight”
Roger D. Cone, the Tadataka Yamada Distinguished Professor of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, leads groundbreaking research in obesity and metabolic diseases. Cone discovered receptor genes crucial for brain-regulated energy balance, paving the way for therapies targeting genetic obesity syndromes. He serves as the Mary Sue Coleman Director of the Life Sciences Institute and holds multiple prestigious roles at the university.
His work has redefined the understanding of appetite and weight regulation, and he has contributed to biomedical research advancements. With 20 patents and three biotech companies under his belt, Cone continues to foster innovation in life sciences. His presentation will delve into the brain’s regulation of body weight and the evolution from identifying obesity genes to effective therapeutics.
Deborah Dash Moore
“Vernacular Religion in Robert Frank’s The Americans”
Deborah Dash Moore, the Jonathan Freedman Distinguished University Professor of History and Judaic Studies, is a leading figure in American Jewish History. As acting director of the Jean and Samuel Frankel Center for Judaic Studies, she has expanded it into an internationally respected program. Dash Moore has authored eight books and received multiple prestigious awards for her contributions to Jewish Studies.
Her lecture will explore Robert Frank’s photography, focusing on American vernacular religious expression and Frank’s Jewish interpretation of American culture. Dash Moore’s work has significantly influenced the field, opening doors to new explorations in religious practices and Jewish political radicalism.
Jeff Fessler
“The AI of the Beholder in Medical Imaging”
Jeff Fessler, the William L. Root Distinguished University Professor in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, has made significant contributions to medical imaging. His algorithms have enhanced cardiac stress tests’ accuracy, benefiting numerous patients. Fessler’s innovations in low-dose computed tomography and MRI have improved image quality while reducing radiation exposure.
His work, notably the “Michigan Image Reconstruction Toolbox,” has been widely adopted in the imaging community. Fessler’s lecture will discuss machine learning applications in medical imaging to advance CT and MRI technology, making scans safer and more efficient.
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