University Educators Broaden Their Horizons

An astrophysicist contemplates the combination of science, myth, and religion. . . . An English scholar studies the visual and literary art of comic books. . . . A musician examines the intersection where business and music meet.

Three faculty members—Adam Frank, professor of physics and astronomy; Jeffrey Tucker, associate professor of English; and Donna Brink Fox, the Eisenhart Professor of Music Education at the Eastman School of Music—last year joined nearly 60 of their peers who have participated in the University’s Bridging Fellowship interdisciplinary program, which celebrated its 25th year in 2005.

As Bridging Fellows, faculty members take a “sabbatical” to work on a subject distinct from their own field, yet stay at the University to develop new courses and areas of expertise to share with students.

“The cross-disciplinary perspectives promote collaborations that echo throughout our institution for years,” says Provost Charles E. Phelps, who chooses the fellows for a semester-long or a yearlong project.