The Michigan Program for Advancing Cultural Transformation (M-PACT) has appointed five new tenure-track assistant professors. Their research expertise includes early human development, substance abuse prevention, and equitable obstetric care. These scholars aim to bring innovative approaches to research, teaching, and service while aligning with the University of Michigan’s values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
M-PACT recruited these scholars to reflect cutting-edge perspectives and a commitment to equitable health outcomes. “We look forward to welcoming these outstanding new scholars,” said Robert Sellers, James S. Jackson Distinguished University Professor of Psychology. Sellers leads the program alongside Reshma Jagsi, an adjunct professor of radiation oncology. “Their contributions will be instrumental in helping the university advance its mission to serve the people of Michigan and the world through excellence,” Sellers added.
Established in 2023, M-PACT received a $63.7 million investment from U-M and a five-year, $15.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. This program, managed by the Office of the Vice President for Research, is led by senior faculty experts in large-scale programs. M-PACT aims to recruit 30 new faculty members across 11 U-M biomedical and health science units by 2026, using evidence-based best practices to advance cultural transformation.
“Cultivating a strong, diverse faculty and supporting their success is crucial for advancing innovative research,” stated Tabbye Chavous, vice provost for equity and inclusion. M-PACT is one of 15 programs awarded through the NIH Common Fund Faculty Institutional Recruitment for Sustainable Transformation Program. This initiative supports inclusive excellence and aims to positively impact faculty development, retention, and promotion in the health sciences.
The new tenure-track assistant professors include:
Autumn Rae Florimbio, Medical School
Focusing on preventing substance use and violence among young people, especially LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Olivia Halabicky, School of Nursing
Specializes in children’s environmental health, examining how early life exposures shape health disparities.
Natasha Kumar, Medical School
Develops interventions for equitable obstetric care, focusing on postpartum transitions for hypertensive patients.
Anna Maurer, LSA
Researches adeno-associated viral vector biology and mentors community college students to increase diversity in biomedical research.
Erica Twardzik, School of Kinesiology
Improves the lives of people with disabilities by studying how environments affect mobility to inform policies.
For the 2024-25 cycle, U-M is accepting applications from candidates at various schools by the following deadlines:
- School of Dentistry — June 15, 2025
- College of Engineering — Jan. 15, 2025
- Institute for Social Research — June 15, 2025
- School of Kinesiology — Application now closed
- Life Sciences Institute — June 15, 2025
- LSA — Oct. 15
- Medical School — March 1, 2025
- School of Nursing — Ongoing until filled
- College of Pharmacy— Dec. 31, or until filled
- School of Public Health — Ongoing until filled
- School of Social Work — Oct. 31
—
Read More Michigan News