Applications are being accepted through Nov. 1 for the fourth year of the U-M President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. 

The program supports exceptional scholars in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, economics and political science who will contribute to diversity and equal opportunity in higher education and have the potential to become faculty members at U-M. 

The third group of postdoctoral scholars selected for the program arrived on campus this fall. They are Catherine Fromen, Mai Hassan and Emily Rauscher.

Fromen, who received her Ph.D. in chemical engineering from North Carolina State University, is working on engineering particles to develop treatments for inflammation. She works with Lola Eniola-Adefeso, associate professor of chemical engineering and biomedical engineering.  

Hassan, who received her Ph.D. in government at Harvard University, examines the role of the state in helping sustain competitive authoritarian regimes. She works with Anna Grzymala-Busse, professor of political science.

Rauscher, who received her Ph.D. in astronomy from Columbia University, researches the atmospheres of exoplanets. She works with Edwin Bergin, professor of astronomy.

The President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship Program was created in collaboration with the University of California, which has sponsored a very successful postdoctoral program for some years. It combines funding (salary, benefits and research support) with faculty mentoring, professional development and networking opportunities. 

Applicants may apply to both the California and the U-M programs or to either one. Selections are made by independent committees, one on each campus. The program at U-M has attracted an exceptionally strong group of candidates. 

Each candidate is expected to identify a faculty member who has been contacted in advance of the application and who is willing to serve as a mentor. Faculty members are encouraged to identify emerging scholars who would be appropriate for the program.

The president and the provost have committed funds for postdoctoral support, and also for tenure-track positions for successful postdoctoral fellows who are subsequently recruited to become permanent members of the U-M faculty. Two former fellows, Tawannna Dillahunt in information and Keren Sharon in astronomy, currently are assistant professors at U-M. 

Provost Martha E. Pollack has said, “The program has become an important part of our effort to encourage young scholars and build an exceptional faculty.”