Congratulations to Assistant Professor DeAnza Cook on being awarded an Inaugural Norman G. Pauling Early Career Research Fellowship from the Phi Beta Kappa Society! The prestigious award recognizes and supports outstanding scholars whose work exemplifies the critical role of the liberal arts and sciences as a public good. Each of four recipients will receive a $20,000 fellowship to further their research and contribute to the broader conversation on the value of a liberal arts and sciences education.

 

Professor Cook will use the funds to explore the relationship between incarceration and voting rights through her project "Unlocking Democracy: An Oral History of Incarcerated Activism in Massachusetts in the Age of Mass Incarceration." Her work examines the origins and outcomes of policies disenfranchising incarcerated individuals, using historical analysis and oral histories to uncover the lived experiences of those affected.

 

The Norman G. Pauling Research Fellowship, established in 2023 through the generosity of Edith Pauling in honor of her late husband, is designed to nurture the next generation of leaders in the liberal arts and sciences. This fellowship aligns with the Society's mission to champion education that integrates multiple perspectives, fosters a vibrant democracy, and engages both individuals and communities in lifelong learning. The Pauling Fellowship supports scholars at Phi Beta Kappa chapter institutions who have earned a PhD or are ABD in any liberal arts and sciences field. The fellowship is specifically designed for scholars within twelve years of completing their education.

 

"The Pauling Fellowship is a testament to our commitment to early-career scholars whose work underscores the relevance of the liberal arts and sciences in addressing today’s most pressing challenges," said Frederick M. Lawrence, Secretary and CEO of The Phi Beta Kappa Society. "The groundbreaking research conducted by these fellows will help to reinforce the vital role of the production of knowledge in shaping a more meaningful, productive, and engaged society."