Mock Selected as CFR International Affairs Fellow
Dr. Tara Mock has been selected as an International Affairs Fellow for the 2025–26 academic year by the Council on Foreign Relations. The fellowship is a highly competitive program that provides scholars and professionals with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in international policymaking through placements in U.S. government agencies, Congress, or international organizations. As part of the fellowship, Mock will receive a $120,000 stipend to support her work over a 12-month period.
First Class of Cross Scholars
The University of Alabama Teaching Academy has named the first class of Cross Scholars who will support the continued development and growth of the K. Patricia Cross Academy, a database of videos, blog posts and teaching techniques developed for educators to access free of charge.
The 2025 Cross Scholars are:
- Dr. Carla Blakey, Human Nutrition, Hospitality and Sport Management
- Dr. Jason Scofield, Human Development and Family Studies
Dixon Announced as Second Shelby Professor
Dr. David Dixon has been announced as UA’s second Endowed Shelby Distinguished Professor. Established last year, the endowed professorship aims to attract nationally recognized STEM scholars who are committed to leadership in transformation, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Holiday Receives Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Seal of Excellence Fellowship
Dr. Steven Holiday received a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Seal of Excellence Fellowship, an internationally prestigious fellowship awarded from a grant program sponsored by the European Commission. As part of the fellowship, Dr. Holiday and his family are relocating to Belgium for 2025-2026, where he will conduct studies examining the effectiveness of “kidfluencers” and their unique persuasive impact on child viewers.
Kumar Awarded Honorary Doctorate, Fulbright
Dr. M.N.V. Ravi Kumar has received an honorary doctorate from Krishna University in India for his extraordinary contributions to pharmaceutical science and medicine. Kumar has also been selected for the Fulbright-Nehru Scholar Award that will allow him to conduct vital research at the National Institute of Nutrition in Hyderabad, India.
Newman Inducted into AIMBE College of Fellows
Dr. Sharlene Newman was inducted into the 2025 class of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering’s College of Fellows. Election to the AIMBE College of Fellows is among the highest professional distinctions accorded to medical and biological engineers, comprised of the top two percent of engineers in these fields.
Ruggiano Named APLU Research Leader Fellow
Dr. Nicole Ruggiano has been named a Research Leader Fellow by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities’ Council on Research. The Fellowship is a year-long leadership development program designed to prepare emerging university research leaders for senior roles. Through immersive site visits, mentorship from experienced research executives, and participation in COR meetings, fellows broaden their expertise across a wide range of research support functions.
Smith Chosen for Membership in AAS
Dr. Cassander Smith has been elected to membership in the American Antiquarian Society, a 213-year-old national research library and community of learners dedicated to discovering and sharing a deeper understanding of the American past. Since the Society’s founding in 1812, fourteen United States presidents, more than seventy-five Pulitzer Prize winners, scores of Bancroft Prize winners, many Guggenheim fellows and several MacArthur Award winners have been elected to membership.
Sood Elected to AIAA Class of 2026 Associate Fellows
Dr. Rohan Sood has been elected to the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Class of 2026 Associate Fellows. The AIAA honors individuals of distinction who have made notable and valuable contributions to the arts, sciences or technology of aeronautics and astronautics. The selection process is highly competitive, with only approximately 17% of AIAA members being elected as associate fellows.
Thompson Named IFES Fellow
Dr. Greg Thompson was named a fellow of the International Field Emission Society. One of the society’s highest honors, the fellowship recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the science and application of field emission, atom probe tomography and related phenomena. Fellows are nominated by their peers for their sustained excellence and impact in the field.
Walker Releases Debut Album
Tyler Bradley Walker has released his debut solo album “The Sun The Moon The Earth and Me.” Co-produced by indie rock legend Brian Deck (Modest Mouse, Counting Crows, Iron & Wine), the genre-transcending album has received numerous positive reviews.