The Look to Michigan Faculty Expansion Program has been recruiting colleagues with exceptional potential to expand the capacity for transformative inquiry in high-impact areas of research/scholarship and societal challenge.

The university continues to recruit mid-career tenure-track faculty who will catalyze, collaborate and provide intellectual and institutional leadership in areas aligned with at least one of the impact areas of the Look to Michigan framework:

• Life-changing education
• Human health and well-being
• Democracy, civic and global and engagement
• Energy, climate action, sustainability and environmental equity
• Advanced technology

“The Look to Michigan Faculty Expansion Program builds on our 200-year legacy of scholarly leadership and impact,” said Provost Laurie McCauley. “We are excited to continue recruiting exceptional faculty who are eager to join this vibrant community and continue their promising trajectory of scholarship.”

The Provost’s Office will provide cost-sharing funds to base salary and start-up support as part of the program.

As part of the Look to Michigan Faculty Expansion Program, selected faculty will also receive the designation as a Michigan Impact Professor for a five-year nonrenewable term, pending regental approval. 

The Michigan Impact Professorships were established to support the recruitment of outstanding mid-career faculty whose research addresses major societal challenges and contributes to U-M’s capacity for interdisciplinary leadership and innovation, consistent with the Look to Michigan areas of impact. 

At its November meeting, the Board of Regents approved the appointment of the following U-M faculty members to a Michigan Impact Professorship:

David Conroy

• Bickner Chair of Kinesiology, and professor of kinesiology, School of Kinesiology
• Impact areas: Advanced technology and human health and well-being
• Conroy’s work centers on designing tools that empower individuals to engage in everyday physical activities that can significantly enhance their well-being. His research explores innovative ways to make physical activity more enjoyable and accessible, ultimately supporting sustained behavior change. His teaching is deeply integrated with his research, as he is committed to preparing the next generation of physical activity professionals to address emerging global challenges, such as how climate change shapes opportunities for movement and health. A dedicated and passionate educator, Conroy is known for applying evidence-based teaching practices that contribute to the success and growth of his students.

Sara Dean

• Associate professor of art and design, Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design
• Impact area: Energy, climate action, sustainability and environmental equity
• Dean’s research and creative practice are anchored in innovative, collaborative solutions for the common good. She is nationally recognized for her avant-garde creative practices and ethical approaches to designing social interventions and object-oriented systems for creating healthier communities. Her work addresses pressing global challenges while promoting equitable, resilient futures, with a focus on access, transparency, the commons and resilience. As an educator, Dean conceives of design education as an opportunity to develop a critical perspective, a sustained practice, and a lifelong sense of curiosity. 

Jonathan Lifshitz

• Professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation, Medical School; and professor of kinesiology, School of Kinesiology
• Impact area: Human health and well-being
• Lifshitz is an internationally recognized leader in traumatic brain injury and a respected scientist known for his significant research contributions. Lifshitz examines neuroinflammation subsequent to diffuse brain injury, focusing on rod microglia and also examines brain injury rehabilitation for somatosensory and cognitive impairments. His recent investigations have brought critical attention to domestic and intimate partner violence as under-recognized sources of traumatic brain injuries, and he aims to build supportive networks for those affected by these issues. Lifshitz values a creative and collaborative research environment, sharing bold, unconventional ideas to encourage his team to think freely and innovatively and is committed to fostering a space where creative ideas can flourish and evolve into impactful research.