What's Happening?
Hannah Conway, an assistant professor of History at Duke University, has been selected for a 12-month Career Enhancement Fellowship by the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, with funding from the Mellon Foundation. This fellowship will support her ongoing
scholarship and research in environmental history, specifically focusing on the history and philosophy of science, technology, and environmental justice in the U.S. South. Conway is one of 29 new Career Enhancement Fellows chosen from a highly competitive applicant pool for the 2026–27 academic year. The fellowship is designed to support outstanding junior faculty in the humanities and humanistic social sciences who demonstrate a commitment to campus engagement and impactful research. It provides a sabbatical stipend, research, travel, or publication support, mentoring, and participation in a professional development retreat.
Why It's Important?
This fellowship is crucial for advancing critical research in environmental history, particularly within the context of the U.S. South, a region with unique environmental challenges and historical narratives. Dr. Conway's work on environmental justice, science, and technology will contribute significantly to understanding the complex interplay between human societies and their natural surroundings. The support provided by the Mellon Foundation and the Institute for Citizens & Scholars underscores the growing recognition of the importance of humanities and social sciences in addressing contemporary issues like climate change and social equity. For Duke University, this award highlights the caliber of its faculty and reinforces its commitment to fostering cutting-edge scholarship. The fellowship's focus on junior faculty also ensures the development of future academic leaders who can bring fresh perspectives to pressing societal concerns, impacting public policy discussions and community engagement efforts related to environmental justice.
What's Next?
Over the next 12 months, Dr. Conway will utilize the fellowship to dedicate herself fully to her research, potentially leading to new publications, presentations, and deeper insights into environmental justice in the U.S. South. The support for travel and publication will enable her to disseminate her findings to a broader academic and public audience. Her participation in a professional development retreat and access to mentoring will further enhance her academic career and leadership skills. Upon completion of the fellowship, her research is expected to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of environmental history and its contemporary relevance, potentially influencing curriculum development at Duke and other institutions. Her work may also inform advocacy efforts and policy discussions related to environmental justice, particularly in the U.S. South.
Beyond the Headlines
Dr. Conway's fellowship extends beyond individual academic achievement, symbolizing a broader societal investment in understanding and addressing environmental inequities. Her focus on the U.S. South, a region often disproportionately affected by environmental degradation and social injustice, highlights the critical need for interdisciplinary research that connects historical context with present-day challenges. By examining the history and philosophy of science and technology in this context, her work can illuminate the systemic roots of environmental injustice and inform more equitable solutions. This fellowship also underscores the vital role of the humanities in fostering critical thinking and ethical engagement with complex issues, demonstrating how historical analysis can provide essential frameworks for contemporary policy and activism. Ultimately, Dr. Conway's research has the potential to empower communities, influence public discourse, and contribute to a more just and sustainable future.
