On January 29, the University of Michigan will host a special event at the Rackham Amphitheatre featuring three recipients of the Distinguished University Professorship honor. Mark J. Kushner, Robert M. Sellers, and Kon-Well Wang will highlight their professional journeys from 4 to 6 p.m. The event is open to the public and will also be available via livestream.
The Distinguished University Professorship, established in 1947, honors senior faculty members for exceptional scholarly or creative achievements and their global or national reputations. Professorships are named after distinguished figures in the honorees’ fields, often linked to the university, and recipients give an inaugural lecture summarizing their career highlights.
Mark J. Kushner
“Plasma Science and Engineering at the University of Michigan”
Kushner, a leader in low-temperature plasma science, is the William P. Allis Distinguished University Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. His work has been instrumental in plasma medicine and agriculture. He founded the Michigan Institute for Plasma Science and Engineering and supports diversity through mentoring initiatives. His talk will explore plasma’s role in technology and U-M’s contributions to plasma science.
Robert M. Sellers
“My Journey in Search for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the University of Michigan”
Sellers, recognized for his work in racial identity and diversity, is the James S. Jackson Distinguished Career Award for Diversity Scholarship winner. As a former vice provost, he developed the Wolverine Pathways program to support underrepresented students. His lecture will reflect on his 32-year career at U-M and the challenges and successes in fostering diversity and inclusion.
Kon-Well Wang
“On the Engineering of Smarter Mechanical Structures”
Wang, a global pioneer in adaptive structures, is the A. Galip Ulsoy Distinguished University Professor of Engineering. His research spans space antenna systems to vehicle drivetrains. He has developed materials that can change properties in real time for engineering applications. Wang will discuss his career in adaptive structures, detailing projects on functional materials and modular meta-structures and their impact on engineering systems.
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