Faculty Friday Spotlight: January 2025

As the new year begins, we are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of Agnes Scott College faculty in this month’s Faculty Friday Spotlight. From publishing groundbreaking research to securing transformative grants, our professors are sparking conversations that resonate far beyond our campus.

Dr. Erica Harris Awarded $500,000 NSF Grant to Advance Equity in Science

Dr. Erica V. Harris, assistant professor of biology, has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for her project, “Research Coordinated Network (RCN): Diversity in Ecology, Evolution, Marine Science, and Disease (RCN: DEEMD)” (Award #2305040). Dr. Harris serves as the principal investigator (PI) for this initiative, working in collaboration with a co-PI from the University of Texas at Arlington and the non-profit organization Black Women in Ecology, Evolution, and Marine Science (BWEEMS).

The grant’s overarching goal is to foster collaboration and equity in ecology, evolution, marine science (EEMS), and emerging infectious diseases (EID) across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Through its innovative programming, the initiative will directly engage and support 100 scientists from underrepresented groups, creating opportunities for diverse voices to shape the future of these critical disciplines.

The project bridges basic and social scientific approaches by implementing four key strategies:

1. Facilitating in-person workshops to foster knowledge sharing and collaboration.
2. Developing virtual working groups to ensure continuous engagement and resource-sharing.
3. Establishing and maintaining a mentorship program to support early-career scientists from underrepresented communities.
4. Creating a framework for equitable approaches to research in EEMS and EID.

Professor Qiao Chen Solomon and The Eurasia Trio Release Debut Album Celebrating Women Composers

Qiao Chen Solomon, professor of music and accomplished violinist has reached a new milestone with her chamber group, The Eurasia Trio. In October, the trio released their debut album, “Unveiled,” a celebration of the iconic works of German Romantic women composers Clara Schumann and Fanny Mendelssohn.

Joined by Martin Gueorguiev (cello) and Paolo Andre Gualdi (piano), Solomon and her ensemble aim to spotlight the extraordinary contributions of Schumann and Mendelssohn to classical music, bringing their often-overlooked legacies to contemporary audiences. The trio’s passionate and skillful interpretations breathe new life into these historic works, inviting listeners to experience their enduring brilliance.

The album was made possible through the generous support of the Holder Fund at Agnes Scott and the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center. “Unveiled” is available on all major streaming platforms, allowing music lovers worldwide to enjoy these timeless masterpieces.Through Unveiled, the Eurasia Trio pays homage to these remarkable composers and contributes to the ongoing effort to elevate the recognition of women in classical music history.

Beyond the Stars

Supporting Student Scholars at National Conferences

In November, Dr. Hodari-Sadiki Hubbard-James attended the joint meeting of the National Society of Black Physicists and the National Society of Hispanic Physicists in Houston, Texas, accompanied by five students from Agnes Scott College. Four students—Nia Suitt ‘25, Daniela Garcia-Lara ‘26, Jacinda Byam ‘27, and Mandy Zhang ‘27—presented their summer research projects at this prestigious national conference, showcasing their contributions to advancing knowledge in physics. First-year student Makalia Jennings ‘28 also attended, gaining valuable exposure to professional networks and opportunities in the field.

Bringing Accessibility to Planetary Science

Earlier in November Dr. Hubbard-James and colleagues hosted the Planetary Reach Atlanta Workshop at Agnes Scott College’s Bradley Observatory. This interdisciplinary workshop brought together participants from NASA, Georgia Tech, the Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) and other institutions to discuss strategies for making planetary science and astronomy more accessible to underrepresented groups.

Dr. Alexandra Yep and seniors Cara Ebers ‘25 and Suitt ‘25 actively contributed to the workshop, which included a special outreach event with the Boys and Girls Club of Atlanta. The event introduced young students to the wonders of planetary science, sparking curiosity and interest in STEM fields.

Poetry in Motion

Professor Waqas Khwaja’s literary works have garnered national and international attention. His books, “Modern Poetry of Pakistan” and “No One Waits for the Train,” were highlighted in “Poetry Markaz” (“The Markaz Review”), accompanied by a recorded video introduction on October 15, 2024. The feature includes:  

• “I Am Still Awake,” a translation of Yasmeen Hameed’s poem, spotlighted here.
• Two poems, “Debits” and, “I Tell This Without Embellishment,” showcased here.

Additionally, his poems were included in Poetry in English from Pakistan: A 21st Century Anthology, published by Alhamra Publishing in Brussels.

Seminars & Publications

• Dr. Shoshana Katzman, alongside Elizabeth Egan Henry, published an article in *The Advisor*, detailing their innovative professional course series for master’s programs.
• Dr. Regina Finan, vice president of the Multiethnic, Multiracial, and Transracial Adoptee Concerns Group, hosted a webinar addressing gendered racism and monoracism. The panel included Dr. Mary Huffstead, furthering discussions on these critical intersections.
• Dr. Lauran Whitworth’s article, “Environmental Eros: The Films of Barbara Hammer as ‘Creative Geographies,’” was recently published in the Journal of Lesbian Studies. She also presented at Georgia State University’s symposium on culture and climate.
• Dr. Morris joined a panel discussion with scholars from Duke University and Western Carolina University on the gendered politics of white supremacy and its historical roots.

Quick Hits

• Drs. Reem Bailony and Roshan Iqbal secured a $300,000 UISFL grant to enhance Agnes Scott’s Middle Eastern Studies program. The funding supports Arabic instruction, new courses, and student professional development opportunities.
• Malatrice Montgomery was elected President-Elect of the African American Heritage Caucus.  
• Megan Timpone was elected President of the Georgia Association of PAs.  
• Dr. Enkeshi El-Amin’s research informed The Bottom: Stories from the Neighborhood, an exhibition at the University of Tennessee’s Downtown Gallery. She also contributed banned book recommendations to Teen Vogue and produces the “Black in Appalachia” podcast.