EMU Today

YPSILANTI — Eastern Michigan University’s Brickley Endowment award recipients are helping to develop solutions to real-world issues, such as enhancing teaching practices for students with disabilities, examining how poetic narratives influence ethical practices and cultural norms in engineering and addressing the complexities of religious conflicts.

Tony and Lois Evans established the James H. Brickley Endowment for Faculty Professional Development and Innovation awards in 2016. The purpose is to facilitate faculty professional development and innovation through various activities, including research and scholarly/creative work, curriculum development, community service, professional travel and training. 

Lois Evans is a retired mathematics teacher. Tony Evans served in several administrative positions at Eastern from 1975 to 1982, including executive vice president, interim president, provost, and vice president for academic affairs. He worked with former President James H. Brickley from 1974 to 1978, for whom the endowment is named. 

The 2024 award cycle funded 15 projects totaling $80,399. The awards support 21 faculty members from four colleges: eight from the College of Education, 10 from the College of Arts and Sciences, one from the College of Health and Human Services, and two from the College of Engineering and Technology.

Eastern Michigan University’s EMU’s Board of Regents approved the awards at its regular meeting on Dec. 5. 

The award winners and topics are listed below in alphabetical order:

Ashley Bavery, History and Philosophy (College of Arts and Sciences)

“A New Archival Investigation into Islam and Race in the Twentieth-Century Midwest”

In her current research project for her second book, Bavery aims to investigate the history of Arab and South Asian Muslim communities in the Midwest in the early twentieth century, focusing on their interactions with African American Muslims and the Nation of Islam, particularly through Malcolm Xʼs journey to Orthodox Islam. The findings will enhance undergraduate courses at Eastern by providing new primary sources that offer fresh insights into race and religion in America. This research will foster a deeper understanding of immigration, race, and cultural identities, highlighting diverse experiences in U.S. history.

Brenna Breshears, Leadership and Counseling (College of Education) 

Quentin Hunter, Leadership and Counseling (College of Education)

“Transformative Counseling: Funding for Addiction and Corrections Training Initiatives”

Breshears and Hunter aim to enhance training initiatives for addiction and corrections, addressing the pressing needs of underserved justice-involved clients in Michigan.

Given the high rates of overdose deaths in Michigan in 2021 and the significant number of individuals with alcohol use disorder who are not receiving care; this project focuses on improving intervention services by enhancing the clinical qualifications of faculty and students through specialized training in evidence-based practices, such as Motivational Interviewing and Moral Reconation Therapy.

Meg Dobbins, English Language and Literature (College of Arts and Sciences)

“Wrenches and Rhymes: Literature, Engineering, and the 100th Anniversary of the “Ritual of the Calling of the Engineer”

The award will support Dobbins’ archival research for the 100th anniversary of the “Ritual of the Calling of the Engineer,” which will result in a scholarly article examining how poetic narratives influence ethical practices and cultural norms in engineering. The article will analyze the ceremony’s historical significance, originally tied to Rudyard Kipling, and address its outdated values. This initiative will position EMU as a hub for discussing literature’s role in engineering, allowing students to connect with community stakeholders and industry professionals.

Bradley Ensor, Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology (College of Arts and Sciences)

“Filling the Gaps in Nobility in Pre-Columbian Sociopolitical Organization: Archaeological Investigations at Salinas, Veracruz, Mexico”

Ensorʼs project aims to validate findings from Light Detection and Ranging imaging while conducting detailed site surveys and excavations to gather data on the residences and social structures of the nobility. It focuses on two primary objectives: surveying the site to document and collect artifacts and performing excavations to analyze residential contexts and social status. This initiative offers hands-on learning opportunities for local university students from Universidad Veracruzana. The findings will enrich multiple courses at Eastern, enhancing the educational experience for students in anthropology and archaeology. 

Jessica Grimone-Hopkins, Teacher Education (College of Education)

Leslie Blome, Special Education and Comm. Sciences and Disorders (College of Education)

“Early Childhood Communal Classroom: Preparing Pre-Service Practitioners to Work Interprofessionally to Support Young Children & Their Families”.

Dr. Grimone-Hopkins and Dr. Leslie Blome aim to establish a collaborative learning space at EMU for pre-service educators, experienced practitioners, and families. It addresses the pressing need for interprofessional education in early childhood fields, allowing students from diverse disciplines—such as early childhood education, special education, and therapy—to learn together and better support young children and their families.

The project will create valuable research opportunities for faculty to assess the impact of this communal space on student learning and family engagement, enabling EMU to provide essential insights into early childhood education. Furthermore, it will facilitate the development of new courses and assignments focused on inclusive practices and family engagement, ensuring students are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills.

The communal space will also serve as a hub for community events and workshops, strengthening ties between EMU, families, and local practitioners, and ultimately enhancing the educational landscape for young children.

Jeromy Hopgood, Communication, Media, and Theatre Arts (College of Arts and Sciences)

“Moby Dick at The Met: a Collaborative Project in Projection Design and Arts Management”

This award offers Hopgood an opportunity to collaborate with renowned projection designer Elaine McCarthy on the premiere production of Moby Dick at the Metropolitan Opera in the winter of 2025. This partnership will enhance Hopgoodʼs expertise in contemporary opera and help create a professional network that will benefit EMU students through internships and job placements.

Siyuan Jiang, Computer Science (College of Arts and Sciences)

Sarah Quinn, Special Education (College of Education)

“Systematic Review of Teaching Practices for Students with Disabilities in Computer Science”

Jiang and Quinn’s research will address a critical gap in computer science education by conducting a systematic literature review on teaching practices for students with disabilities. This initiative aims to ensure that education in this field is accessible to all students. The review will provide valuable insights into effective teaching methods, highlight existing research gaps, and propose best practices to enhance inclusive education in computer science classrooms. The findings will promote greater accessibility by identifying effective teaching strategies tailored to the needs of students with disabilities directly benefiting this population.

Hailee Lauritzen, Social Work (College of Health and Human Services)

“Protecting the Profession: Developing a Student Professional Readiness and Goodness-of-Fit Evaluation Tool for Social Work Education Programs”

Lauritzen is leading the development of a validated evaluation tool to assess student readiness and “goodness of fit” for the social work profession.

The collaboration with the University of Suffolk positions EMU as a key player in the global dialogue on social work education. It aims to enhance research quality and promote cross-cultural insights that enrich EMU’s academic environment.

You Li, Communication, Media, and Theatre Arts (College of Arts and Sciences) 

“Funding Impact: Raising Public Recognition of Women Journalistsʼ Contributions to Pandemic Journalism”

Li will present her research about the contributions of 33 women journalists who reported on the COVID-19 pandemic at the National Womenʼs Studies Association conference. 

The funding will enable Li to share her findings on a national stage, enhancing EMUʼs recognition as a leader in gender studies and journalism. This presentation will significantly increase the visibility of her work and the associated digital archive, which includes over 30 hours of interviews and extensive transcripts. By providing access to these resources, Li’s digital archive will enrich students’ academic experiences and foster critical thinking about gender and media.

Fredrick Walter Lorenz, History and Philosophy (College of Arts and Sciences)

“The Sultanʼs Colony: Transforming Migrants, Refugees, and Exiles into Settler Colonists in Late Ottoman Libya”

Lorenz’s research focuses on Ottoman settler colonialism in late 19th-century Libya. His project examines the experiences of migrants, refugees, and marginalized populations, providing a transregional perspective that connects the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. This funding will facilitate Lorenz’s archival research in Illinois, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., enabling him to complete three critical chapters of his manuscript by September 2025. His forthcoming book project aims to elevate Eastern’s research profile in Middle Eastern and Ottoman history, attracting scholarly attention and benefiting students with access to innovative research.

Chirasree Mukherjee, Political Science (College of Arts and Sciences)

“Intractable Conflicts over the Sacred: A Study of the Hindu-Muslim Conflict in India”

Based on her dissertation, Mukherjee's research aims to analyze the dynamics of intractable conflicts, particularly those rooted in religion.

Her book will disaggregate religious conflicts into four distinct types, offering critical insights into the unique factors that contribute to their intensity and persistence. By addressing the complexities of religious conflicts, this work has significant policy implications for conflict resolution and peacebuilding strategies. The publication of this book will enhance Eastern’s research profile, particularly in conflict studies and religious studies, attracting scholarly attention and elevating the university’s academic standing. Students will benefit

directly as the findings will inform courses such as Political Conflict and Religious Studies, enriching the curriculum with contemporary insights into the dynamics of conflict and fostering critical thinking skills.

Phil Rufe, Engineering (GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology)

“Certified Additive Manufacturing Certification Site”

Rufe plans to establish EMU as a Stratasys-certified additive manufacturing certification site, which will have a significant impact on both students and the university. Achieving this certification will provide industry-recognized validation of additive manufacturing skills, enhancing students’ employability and making them more attractive to potential employers. The certification site will also support faculty professional development and elevate EMU’s reputation as a leader in additive manufacturing education.

By piloting the additive manufacturing certification exam, Rufe aims to enhance EMUʼs educational framework and contribute to the local workforce. Rufe aims to address the critical shortage of qualified engineers in additive manufacturing by equipping students with essential skills in a rapidly growing field.

Joel Schoenhals, Music and Dance (College of Arts and Sciences)

“16 Etudes for Piano by Navajo Composer Connor Chee”

Schoenhals’ project will significantly enrich Eastern Michigan University and its students by expanding the classical piano repertoire and integrating Indigenous cultural themes into the music curriculum, fostering greater cultural awareness. Incorporating Cheeʼs etudes into the 2025–2026 curriculum will deepen students’ engagement with diverse narratives in classical music. This initiative will also elevate EMU’s reputation as a leader in promoting diverse musical

contributions, encouraging discussions on cultural representation at national conferences, and strengthening connections with other institutions. The high-quality recordings will serve

as vital resources for future performances and scholarship, enhancing the visibility of Chee’s work and inspiring further exploration of varied cultural narratives.

Ourania Spantidi, Computer Science (College of Arts and Sciences)

“Establishing the Embedded Systems Artificial Intelligence Lab at EMU”

Spantidi’s research facility aims to integrate Embedded Systems and Artificial Intelligence, fostering innovation and tackling pressing technological challenges.

The lab will provide structured support for research, enabling students to engage deeply with cutting-edge technologies and methodologies. By hiring research assistants and incorporating hands-on projects, the lab will enhance their technical skills and practical experience, preparing them for careers in a rapidly evolving field. Additionally, the initiative will facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations, allowing students from various departments to collaborate on projects that bridge diverse knowledge domains. At the university level, establishing this lab will position EMU as a leader in Embedded Systems and AI research.

Jessica Swan, Teacher Education (College of Education)

Sally Burton-Hoyle, Special Education and Communication Sciences and Disorders (College of Education)

Melinda Carlson, Technology and Professional Services Management (GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology)

John Rose, Special Education and Communication Sciences and Disorders (College of Education)

“Bringing a Post-Secondary Program for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to Eastern Michigan University”

Swan, Burton-Hoyle, Carlson, and Rose will establish a post- secondary program for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) at Eastern. The program will provide vital educational and career opportunities, promoting independent living and employability for individuals with IDD. By fostering an inclusive environment where students with and without disabilities learn together, the initiative will enhance community engagement and develop essential self-determination skills. EMU will be positioned as a leader in inclusive education, aligning with its commitment to diversity and respect, attracting support from local and national communities, and strengthening EMU’s reputation in education for individuals with disabilities.           

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, EMU is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.