Faculty hiring for the 2010-11 academic year is following the same downward trend of recent years, but the situation provides an opportunity for campus units to re-evaluate their teaching and research priorities, according to one campus leader.
Barbara Wilson, vice provost for academic affairs, says no unit can cover every sub-field of every academic discipline, and units now have to consider where their concentrations will be.
“What we’ve encouraged departments to do is to think in a really forward way – not just about replacing people but using the voluntary retirement program as a way to rethink what their priorities are and perhaps to eliminate areas that they may think are not strategic anymore,” Wilson said.
Forty-six new teaching staff members began work Aug. 16, compared with 61 in 2009 and 75 in 2008.
“We engaged in a very modest hiring program in 2009-10,” she said of the faculty members who were hired last fiscal year and have just begun teaching.
“We don’t have that many new faculty this year,” she said. “As for the future, we just ended a robust retirement program for faculty members who signed up to retire in the next year or so. We definitely will be hiring new faculty to replace some of those who have retired.”
Academic colleges are dealing with limited financial resources in different ways, Wilson said.
“Some units are hiring lecturers and adjunct faculty to meet certain needs,” she said. “Other units are increasing class sizes and thinking about ways to use online instructional methods to augment or replace traditional classroom approaches.”
“A lot of departments are thinking creatively about how they can best educate our students with more limited resources. There is no one solution that is being adopted.”
Champaign is a vibrant research institution that I am honored to join as a tenure-track faculty member at the University Library," Green said. "I look forward to working with students and faculty members across the humanities on their research in literatures. I also hope to collaborate on digital humanities projects and initiatives with members of the campus community, and work with scholars in diverse ways to expand their scholarship in literature and the digital humanities."
"Being a faculty librarian at the University of Illinois Library offers me immense opportunities to pursue unique research and scholarship within one of the leading research libraries in the nation."
Research interests: How humanist researchers integrate digital tools and resources with traditional resources in their research workflows. Also interested in developing digital research tools to assist humanities scholars in their research.
Harriett Green
English and digital humanities librarian and an assistant professor of library administration
Education: M.S. (library and information science), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; M.A. (humanities with creative writing concentration), University of Chicago; A.B. (history and literature), Harvard University.
Why Illinois? “The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a vibrant research institution that I am honored to join as a tenure-track faculty member at the University Library,” Green said. “I look forward to working with students and faculty members across the humanities on their research in literatures. I also hope to collaborate on digital humanities projects and initiatives with members of the campus community, and work with scholars in diverse ways to expand their scholarship in literature and the digital humanities.”
“Being a faculty librarian at the University of Illinois Library offers me immense opportunities to pursue unique research and scholarship within one of the leading research libraries in the nation.”
Research interests: How humanist researchers integrate digital tools and resources with traditional resources in their research workflows. Also interested in developing digital research tools to assist humanities scholars in their research.
“Harriett Green brings a set of skills, experiences, and preparatory education that make her a perfect fit for the position of English and digital humanities librarian,” said Paula T. Kaufman, university librarian and the Juanita J. and Robert E. Simpson Dean of Libraries. She understands both traditional and emerging research methodologies in the humanities and will be working collaboratively with colleagues to develop and deliver services designed to meet the needs of faculty and students here on campus.
Cliff Shin
assistant professor of industrial design, School of Art and Design in the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Education: M.A. (industrial design), Purdue University; B.S. (manufacturing engineering technology), Arizona State University.
Research interests: empathetic/emotional design and sustainable/eco design.
"Cliff has a wonderful blend of professional and educational skill sets, as well as the important beginnings of some important research," said Nan Goggin, the director of the School of Art and Design. "His experience working at the headquarters of LG in Seoul as both a practitioner and as an educator and businessman will give our students practical insight. He had a strong portfolio of his work as well as his students' and he is a very good communicator."
Why Illinois? "I chose Illinois because it has one of the oldest industrial design programs in the United States," Shin said. "The program's strong foundation and the great networking opportunities with many successful alumni in the profession make the industrial design program stronger than ever. I also will be able to continue with my research. Additionally, although the campus is bit far from the bigger cities, the many sponsored projects from well-known companies enrich students' experiences."
Sept. 16, 2010
Chang Dae Ham
lecturer in advertising, College of Media
Education: Ph.D. (journalism-advertising), University of Missouri, Columbia; M.A. (advertising) University of Florida, Gainesville; M.B.A. (business-marketing), Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea; B.A. (journalism and mass communication), Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea.
Research interests: Ham's research focuses on how motivation works in the information processing in persuasion. In particular, he has been interested in why and how consumers use digital media to engage themselves with advertising message, creation and usage.
"Chang joins our department at a time when innovations are radically transforming not only the study of advertising, but the professional practice of our field," said William E. Berry, acting head of the department of advertising. "His professional acumen and passion for interactive advertising will enable us to educate our students to become innovators and leaders. As new types of media and new information communication technology evolve, Chang's teaching and research in strategies and application of digital social phenomena will give our students the critical thinking skills and tools to shape the transformation of advertising and public relations in a world where we are interconnected 24/7."
Courses: He is teaching "Digital Advertising" this semester.
Why Illinois? "The advertising department has been the first and best academic advertising program in the country since Charles H. Sandage, the 'father of advertising education,' created the department," Ham said. "For a long time, the advertising department at the UI has been my dream school, not only because of its international reputation, but also the incessant efforts for integrating academic and industry viewpoints. In this pioneering era when media environment is drastically changing, that balanced effort is more important in research as well as teaching than ever before."
Kate Vieira
assistant professor of English, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Education: Ph.D. (composition and rhetoric) and M.A. (literary studies), University of Wisconsin at Madison; B.A. (English honors) University of Texas at Austin.
Research interests: Her research focus is on literacy and assimilation, and her recent work has centered on an ethnographic study of literacy and assimilation among Azorean and Brazilian immigrant communities in Fall River, Mass.
Vieira's study looks at how these two distinct communities assimilate to each other while simultaneously negotiating the challenges of English language literacy and assimilation into the United States. Her work will have implications for both policy and educational practice.
"Vieira is a smart, learned and ambitious scholar," says Curtis Perry, professor and head of the English department. "Her unique skills and expertise fill areas of urgent need in our department while making possible new kinds of interdisciplinary and cross-cultural connections. It is clear that she is poised to have a major, impactful career as a scholar of literacy and assimilation."
Courses: She is teaching two sections of English 481, "Composition Theory and Practice," this semester.
Why Illinois? "The Writing Studies Program at the UI is one of the most innovative in the country," Vieira said. "I count myself lucky to be a faculty member in such a top notch, forward-looking English department. Faculty and graduate students are pursuing meaningful and timely questions about how we write, learn and act rhetorically in the world. I knew the undergraduates I encountered here would be smart and motivated ... and they are. I feel part of a dynamic intellectual community at the UI, from the stellar support for faculty interdisciplinary research to the careful attention to undergraduate education."
Oct. 7, 2010
Romana Autrey
assistant professor of accountancy, College of Business
Education: Ph.D. (accounting), University of Texas at Austin; B.S. (business administration), California State University, Hayward.
Research Interests: Autrey's research spans such areas as performance evaluation managerial incentives, optimizing supply chain and distribution channels, and fraud prevention and detection. She has employed mathematical modeling as her preferred research approach although she is open to empirical research on this range of topics.
"At Illinois, we take a holistic view of accountancy rather than the stove-piped view traditionally taken in education and practice," said Ira Solomon, the head of the department of accountancy. "Consequently, we do not have courses in financial accounting, managerial accounting, etc., but instead rely on more granular organizing principles such as measurement and disclosure, information and decision making. To be successful in this type of educational program, an instructor must have a broad mastery of accountancy that cuts across traditional boundaries. While such knowledge and perspectives are relatively rare, especially in recent Ph.D.s, professor Autrey is just such an individual. In addition, we expect to be able to benefit from her work experience at the Harvard Business School with the case method as she brings perspectives from that experience to enhance our efforts at active learning."
Why Illinois? "The accountancy faculty at the UI exemplifies excellence, both in research and in teaching," Autrey said. "I especially value the diversity of interests and expertise of my colleagues, but even more important to me is the incredible collegiality of the faculty. Having motivated and bright students is just icing on the cake."
Teaching at Illinois: ACCY 302, "Decision Making for Accountancy."
Barrett E. Kirwan
assistant professor of economics in the department of agricultural and consumer economics, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
Education: Ph.D. (economics), Massachusetts Institute of Technology; B.A. (economics), Brigham Young University
Research interests: Kirwan's primary field of research is U.S. agricultural policy. His research ranges from investigating the effect of agricultural subsidies on farmland rental markets to determining the influence of U.S. subsidies on income and inequality in developing countries. His research seeks to identify the ultimate beneficiaries of farm policy and to explore the effects of agricultural policy on producers and consumers.
"Agricultural policy is extremely important to the economic vitality of southern Illinois," said Paul Ellinger, the head of the department of agricultural and consumer economics. "Barrett will be a valuable contributor in the national discussions related to the upcoming U.S. Farm Bill and other relevant policies related to food and agriculture. His intellectual curiosity is contagious with his students. Illinois students will truly benefit from his energy, enthusiasm and intellect."
Why Illinois? "As an agricultural economist, I cannot think of a better place to do research than Illinois, where agriculture plays such a prominent role," Kirwan said. "My colleagues in the department are interesting, energetic and intelligent, and they foster an environment in which ideas flourish. Although other agricultural economics departments struggle to maintain their identity, Illinois has positioned itself to remain relevant far into the future."
Teaching at Illinois: ACE 260, "Applied Statistical Methods" and ACE 456, "Agriculture and Food Policies."
Oct. 21, 2010
Jayadev Athreya
assistant professor of mathematics, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Education: Ph.D. (mathematics), M.S. (mathematics), University of Chicago; B.S. (mathematics) Iowa State University
Research interests: "I study how various geometric objects (like tiltings of the plane) change under certain types of stretching and shearing deformations. My work also relates to number theory and non-Euclidean geometry," Athreya said.
"His work is absolutely fundamental and can be applied equally effectively to the study of the dynamics of billiards as well as to non-geometric areas of core mathematics such as number theory," said Sheldon Katz, the head of mathematics at Illinois. "These problems are central to a diverse collection of areas of mathematics and their applications. The mathematics department is excited and proud to have Athreya joining its ranks. His expertise and broad interests will bring together faculty members and students. Moreover, his infectious enthusiasm for mathematics will benefit all students with whom he has contact."
Teaching at Illinois: Math 402, "Non-Euclidean Geometry"
Why Illinois? "I chose to come to Illinois because it has one of the best, most vibrant mathematics departments in the world," Athreya said. "There is an extremely active seminar calendar, and in addition to all the great people we have here, we also attract terrific visitors and speakers every week. The department also takes teaching very seriously, and does a great job with it. I'm really excited to be a part of that."
Dawn Trussell
assistant professor of recreation, sport and tourism, College of Applied Health Sciences
Education: Ph.D. (recreation and leisure studies), M.A. (recreation and leisure studies), University of Waterloo, Ontario; B.E. (physical education) Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario; B.A. (physical education), Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario.
Research interests: Her research program uses leisure experiences to understand diverse social contexts and issues of power and social inclusion, particularly as they relate to the constructs of gender, family, social class and age. She also has a keen interest in methodological and ethical issues in the research process when working with vulnerable and socially marginalized populations, such as children, youth and those living in poverty.
"She is exceptionally bright and capable and is clearly on the pathway toward a highly successful academic career," said Cary McDonald, the head of the department of recreation, sport and tourism. "We were very fortunate to attract an individual with her abilities and passion for her work. Most importantly, she wants to ensure that her research makes a difference."
Teaching at Illinois: RST 217, "Public Recreation" and RST 230, "Leisure Services and Diversity."
Why Illinois? "The recreation, sport and tourism department has world-class scholars in the areas of diversity, leisure behavior and sports, and I saw my research interests complementing its strengths," Trussell said. "The spirit and enthusiasm of the college and the international reputation of the UI in qualitative methodologies and the opportunity to meet colleagues across campus were important factors in my decision."
Nov. 4, 2010
Asef Bayat
a professor of sociology and of Middle East studies, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Education: Ph.D. in social sciences (sociology and politics), University of Kent, England; B.A. (politics), Faculty of Political and Social Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Research Interests: Middle Eastern studies, social movements, urban societies and youth cultures.
"More than two decades of wide-ranging research has made Bayat one of the most respected and innovative sociologists of the Middle East, making major contributions to both theory and empirical case studies of the region," said Anna-Maria Marshall, professor and head of the sociology department. "His studies of Islamic social and political movements have introduced major theoretical innovations in the field of social movements, Middle Eastern studies and political culture."
Why Illinois? "I find this to be a very dynamic campus," Bayat said. "One that brings together a variety of fields and areas of interest which can produce an immensely productive interdisciplinary system. I find this a very nourishing environment for myself and a comparative advantage for the university."
Teaching at Illinois: Two courses this spring: SOC 496, "Middle Eastern Society and Cultures" and SOC 562, "Seminars in Transnational Studies Globalization and Urbanization: Cities in Extreme"
Jordyn Boesch
a clinical assistant professor of veterinary clinical medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine
Education: D.V.M., Cornell University; B.S. (animal science), University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Research interests: Pain management and anesthesia in small, large and exotic animals. At Cornell, she pursued a zoo/wildlife/aquatic animal medicine track and then completed externships at the San Diego Wild Animal Park, the North Carolina Zoo, the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Asheboro, N.C., and the Smithsonian National Zoological Park.
"She comes to us from a very respected and vigorous training program that produces top-notch veterinary anesthesiologists," said Stuart Clark-Price, a professor of veterinary clinical medicine. "Her decision to join us is very exciting and will help us to continue to deliver expert care to our patients and provide veterinary students with a world class education."
Why Illinois? "I chose Illinois because when I interviewed, I felt that it was a progressive veterinary college where I would find the support to pursue my professional interests, which include zoo animal and wildlife anesthesia and pain management in all species," Boesch said. "And (I felt) that the people I would be working with, including the clinicians, technicians and students, were a very skilled, friendly and dedicated group of people."
Teaching at Illinois: Co-teaching VCM 676, "Veterinary Anesthesiology and Fluid Therapy"
Nov. 18, 2010
Dr. Daniel Llano
assistant professor of physiology, department of molecular and integrative physiology in the School of Molecular and Cellular Biology and in the College of Medicine
Education: M.D., Ph.D. (molecular and integrative biology), B.S. (biology), UI.
Research Interests: As the first hire under the auspices of the Division of Biomedical Sciences, Llano will lead the development of a strong biomedical translational research presence on the Urbana campus. He also will provide care as a neurologist at Carle Foundation Hospital and Carle Physicians Group.
Carle has specific interests in developing programs in treating stroke victims, which fit extremely well with Dr. Llano's interests in recovery from brain injury, including that caused by stroke. "My long-term goal," Llano said, "is to build a translational research program to develop therapeutics for language disturbance after brain injury."
"Dr. Llano is a rare individual who has made important contributions in both treating important clinical problems and the underlying basic science," said Byron Kemper, the head of the department of molecular and cellular biology. "He is an exceptionally well-trained physician-scientist with unique qualifications to enhance translational research on this campus and at Carle."
Why Illinois? "I chose the UI because of the fantastic collaborative opportunities that exist on this campus," Llano said. "I hope to take advantage of the strong ties that have been established between the neuroscience and engineering communities to advance the development of new therapeutic approaches for neurological disorders."
Verity Winship
assistant professor, College of Law
Education: J.D., B.A. (visual and environmental studies), Harvard University.
Research Interests: "My research explores interactions among institutions and the role of procedural innovation," Winship said. "Business and securities law are often the starting point for my work, but my projects also are informed by my teaching in civil procedure and reach structural issues beyond the securities context."
"Winship's scholarship ranges across several fields that have traditionally been isolated in legal scholarship and teaching," said Bruce P. Smith, dean of the College of Law. "Her research addresses important and timely questions. We are thrilled to welcome a scholar of such impressive range and ability to our faculty."
Teaching at Illinois: LAW 607, "Civil Procedure, LAW 633, "Business Associations I" and LAW 794, "Federal Corporate Law"
Why Illinois? "I came to the UI law school for the top-notch faculty and the lively law community," Winship said. "I'm also looking forward to learning more about other parts of the university. It's a treat to be part of a world-class institution."
Dec. 2, 2010
Paris Smaragdis
assistant professor of computer science and of electrical and computer engineering, College of Engineering
Education: Ph.D. (perceptual computing), M.S. (media technology), Massachusetts Institute of Technology; B.Mus. (music synthesis), Berklee College of Music.
Research Interests: Smaragdis' primary research interests lie at the intersection of machine learning and signal processing. His current work to create machines that can listen is pioneering new devices to improve music recordings, safety and even televised broadcasts. His work on signal processing, machine learning and statistics as they relate to artificial perception and computational audition promises to open exciting avenues for collaboration at Illinois.
"Illinois has a long track record of innovation in the area of computational perception," said Rob A. Rutenbar, Bliss Professor and head of computer science. "Machine vision, machine reading and machine learning are all core parts of the CS discipline. Paris adds a whole new dimension to our department: machine listening. His work at the intersection of machine learning and signal processing is generating remarkable new methods for manipulating acoustic information in novel ways."
Why Illinois? "Part of my research agenda is creating an artificial sense of hearing," Smaragdis said. "This is a highly interdisciplinary area that, at times, will require me to act as an electrical engineer designing signal processing algorithms, as a computer scientist thinking about artificial intelligence, as a psychologist or neuroscientist that examines our ability to hear, or as a musician that tries to teach computers the elements of sound. At Illinois I have a chance to tap into world-class departments and scholars in all these areas (and many more). How could I resist the opportunity?"
Teaching at Illinois: CS 598, "Machine Learning for Signal Processing"
Bridget Sweet
assistant professor, School of Music
Education: Ph.D, M.M. (music education), Michigan State University; B.M. (music education), Western Michigan University.
Research Interests: Her research focuses on middle school choral teaching methods and choral conducting and performance.
"Dr. Sweet brings to the UI solid experience in the public schools, a cutting-edge research agenda, and the boundless energy of a junior faculty member," said Karl Kramer, director of the School of Music. "We look forward to Bridget sharing her expertise with our K-12 teaching colleagues throughout the state of Illinois and beyond."
Why Illinois? "The music education program at the UI has historically been one of the strongest in the country," Sweet said. "The students are smart and talented, and I look forward to our engaging conversations every day. As a middle school choral specialist, I am delighted to work in an environment where I may share my experience and passion about adolescent musicians and influence my students to consider teaching and research in new and exciting ways."
Teaching at Illinois: MUS 240, "Orientation to Music Teaching and Learning," and MUS 346A, "Teaching of Choral Music"
Dec. 16, 2010
Daniel Dias
assistant professor of economics, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Education: Ph.D. (global economics and management), M.A. (economics), University of California at Los Angeles; M.Sc. (applied econometrics and forecasting), Instituto Superior de Economica e Gestão, Lisbon, Portugal; licenciatura (economics), Universidade Nova de Lisboa (Economics and Business School), Lisbon.
Research Interests: "My research is fairly diverse," Dias said. "Regarding international trade, my research has focused on the estimation of trade barriers and the correct way to interpret these results. In terms of finance, I have been interested in measuring costs and/or benefits of sovereign debt for both lenders and borrowers. I also work with monetary economics and firm financing."
"Professor Dias will be able to help undergraduate and graduate students better understand the issues and debates in ways that also will enhance their appreciation of the complexity of trade and its contribution to economic development," said Geoffrey J.D. Hewings, a professor and interim head of the department of economics.
Why Illinois? "The UI is a fantastic institution," Dias said. "And its economics department is among the best in the world."
Teaching at Illinois: ECON 520, "International Trade Theory" and ECON 522, "International Financial Economics"
Rory James
director of the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center
Education: M.P.H. (public health, epidemiology), Tulane University; B.S. (biology), Tuskegee University, Alabama.
Why Illinois? "I can truly say this move was great for me professionally and personally," James said. "I was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, so I am a 'native son' of Illinois. The UI is a highly ranked public institution, and I desired to be in this setting of excellence. Furthermore, the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center is one of the oldest black cultural centers in the Midwest and nation. It is an honor to be director and forge a legacy with the current African American students and staff."
James' goals for the center include creating and implementing a retention program that focuses on first- and second-year African American students, increasing student traffic and utilization of the cultural center by the collective campus community, and fostering a relationship with science, technology, engineering and mathematics at the UI to help increase the number of African American students majoring in these fields.
"Rory brings a wealth of experience and a new vision of culture centers to the UI," said Renee Romano, vice chancellor for student affairs. "He will take the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center to the next level in serving our students and community."