On a Wednesday afternoon in April, a group of scholars from the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (SHASS) gathered at MIT\u2019s Lewis Music Library. This assembly of seven professors marked the first SHASS Faculty Fellows, a program initiated this past spring. The faculty, representing diverse disciplines within the school, met biweekly during the spring to share lunch and update each other on their research projects.<\/p>\n
During one meeting, associate professor of music Emily Richmond Pollock presented a chapter on an opera festival in Sarasota, Florida, which originated from her curiosity about American institutions’ relationship with opera traditions. After her presentation, the group engaged in discussions to provide feedback. The SHASS Faculty Fellows program aims to create such a scholarly environment.<\/p>\n
Anne McCants, the Ann F. Friedlaender Professor of History and chair of the Faculty Fellows Program Committee, noted the program’s value in fostering conversations with scholars who have different approaches and methodologies. Alongside literature professor Arthur Bahr, McCants plays a moderating role, posing questions and examining participants’ assumptions. McCants emphasized the impact of regular meetings among a small, diverse group.<\/p>\n
Faculty members apply to join the program, and the selection is made by the program committee. The MIT Human Insight Collaborative (MITHIC) manages the program. Participants also interact with students, such as when Faculty Fellow Volha Charnysh presented her research on humanitarian aid’s effects to the Burchard Scholars, a program linking faculty with promising MIT sophomores and juniors in humanities, arts, or social sciences.<\/p>\n
The program encourages the development of scholarly articles, book manuscripts, and deeper research exploration. Heather Paxson, associate dean for faculty in SHASS and MITHIC faculty co-lead, stated that the program aims to enhance faculty scholarly activities and foster a collegial community. Participants gain insight into the school\u2019s scholarly contributions and may form lasting connections.<\/p>\n
Pollock found the program beneficial for focusing on her book about five American opera festivals, “Opera on Uncommon Ground: Five American Festivals,” which explores rare and canonical works performed in unique settings. She hopes opera enthusiasts will enjoy her book, including the “opera \u2018superfans\u2019” she considers while writing. The program provided her the space to concentrate on her project.<\/p>\n
Richard Nielsen, associate professor of political science and MIT-MENA Program faculty director, is working on “Fighting War with Divine Intervention,” a book examining how combatants’ beliefs influence wars. He uses diverse cases such as the Islamic State and the Confederate States of America to understand when claims of divine intervention motivate extended fighting. Nielsen values the collegial atmosphere and engagement with scholars from different areas.<\/p>\n
Nielsen praises the program for its diverse fellowship and the inspiration he receives from their varied projects. McCants describes the meetings as a source of unexpected insights, while Nielsen finds discussing others’ projects helps him return to his research with renewed energy. Pollock cherishes the camaraderie and respect among the fellows and mentors, enjoying the opportunity to exchange and review work outside her field.<\/p>\n
Twelve professors will join the SHASS Faculty Fellows for the 2026-27 academic year, with six participating in the fall and six in the spring. The first group of fellows included H\u00e9ctor Beltr\u00e1n, Volha Charnysh, Kevin Dorst, Richard Nielsen, Emily Richmond Pollock, Jessica Ruffin, and Robin Scheffler. Applications for the next cohort open this fall.<\/p>\n