ASC offers its congratulations to University of Michigan School of Information (UMSI) Professor and ASC faculty affiliate Ron Eglash, who was appointed one of the two University Diversity and Social Transformation Professors at the July Board of Regents meeting. This appointment recognizes Professor Eglash’s exceptional contributions to diversity, equity, and inclusion through his research, teaching, and service. Eglash’s research focuses on fundamental questions about human nature and technology. His work on fractals recognizes the impact that African cultures have had on science, technology, engineering, and math. Eglash’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is reflected in his work with the African Bead Museum in Detroit, which connects Detroiters to African plants through a solar-powered greenhouse.
UMSI Professor and Dean Andrea Forte nominated Eglash, saying, “Eglash’s passion for justice is evident in his work, and he has been instrumental in bridging culturally significant design concepts with contemporary STEM fields.” Eglash comments, “This is such an honor. I am very grateful for the folks who granted permission to share their Indigenous knowledge, urban crafting, and other ‘heritage algorithms’ with our team, as well as the university students, faculty, and programs that helped turn these into computational tools for empowering those communities. Decolonization is not just a critique. It also has a positive, generative role to play in the advancement of science and technology.”
Congratulations, Professor Eglash!
