Current RJP Fellows

AY27 RJP Fellows and Goals

Nixon Cleophat: My Research Jumpstart Program project focuses on developing my first scholarly monograph, which grows out of my dissertation and examines the social ethics and political theologies of Reinhold H. Niebuhr and James H. Cone through the lens of an Africana Indigenous theological epistemology, particularly Haitian Vodou. The project investigates the possibilities and limits of Christian theological language for addressing questions of sin, redemption, liberation, and justice in the face of contemporary social, political, and racial crises. By placing Niebuhr and Cone in conversation with Africana Indigenous thought, I hope to offer a fresh theological framework for engaging issues such as white supremacy, nationalism, democracy, human dignity, and social transformation. This work also builds upon my broader scholarship on religion, race, culture, power, and liberation within the Black Atlantic and Afro-diasporic religious traditions. My primary goal during the Research Jumpstart Program is to develop a strong and competitive book proposal by mid-fall that I can submit to an academic press. I also intend to establish a disciplined and sustainable writing routine that will carry the project through manuscript completion and publication during my tenure. Equally important, I hope the structure of this program will provide the accountability needed to transform a long-envisioned scholarly project into a tangible and meaningful contribution to the fields of religious studies, theology, and Africana Studies. By working closely and consistently with my faculty coach, I look forward to receiving constructive guidance, maintaining steady progress, and bringing this long-term vision to fruition. 

Danné Davis: I’m excited to be a part of the Jumpstart 3rd Cohort. I’ve long wanted to write and publish a content area trade book for elementary teachers. For that to happen, I must develop a book proposal that a reputable publisher will welcome. I’m hopeful that guidance from my coach will help me reach that goal.

David Eisenberg: During my time with the Research Jumpstart Program, I will be working on articles on ethical artificial intelligence, technology policy, and the future of work. I will be emphasizing works related to the economic and societal impacts of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Stemming from these works, I aim to draft a book proposal related to how AI works hand in hand with sensors and robotics, creating the potential for unforeseen and outsized impacts to employment, consumerism, equality, the future of work, and democracy. 

Ashley Ermer: The Research Jumpstart program will support me in crafting peer-reviewed journal articles based on recent conference presentations. These articles will focus on the intersections between different types of social relationships during later adulthood. Overall, my goal is to work through these articles and ultimately plan for an updated data collection.

Nina Goodey: The Research Jumpstart program will help me prepare and submit manuscripts that are based on research data obtained with MSU students in the areas of drug discovery and soil biochemistry. Professional editorial support will help me write more clearly and efficiently and stay accountable. I hope to establish a consistent writing routine that increases my research productivity and the quality of my manuscripts and grant proposals.

GJ Lee: My goal for this program is to develop two manuscripts based on my work with Game Devs of Color. Using program data and impact reports, I will examine how community-led initiatives support marginalized game developers in the games industry through structured access and support systems.

Minji Lee: I have three goals for RJP: revise and resubmit one article, submit a draft currently in progress, and issue a call for contributors. Though these projects are in different stages of completion, addressing them together prompts a broader question: what does it mean to write in the age of AI? This moment calls for a fundamental reassessment of my writing practice, both the skills I rely on and the process by which they develop.

Meena Mahadevan: My primary goal is to dedicate this next year to completing the list of tasks outlined in my most recent faculty scholarship agenda document. Specifically, I plan on submitting two manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals and an abstract for an academic conference. Additionally, I want to feel more confident in reaching out to potential collaborators, both outside my department, and our institution. I am hoping that the opportunity to work closely with a coach will give me the needed structured foundation to regain my scholarly momentum and to continue contributing meaningfully to my field of study. 

Negin Nabavi: My goals for the RJP are to finalize the manuscript of my current book project on "Newspapers, Newspaper Culture, and the Public Sphere in Iran, 1870-1925." More specifically, I will be completing and refining two chapters and preparing a book proposal. Working with a coach, I hope, will help me continue with a writing schedule during the teaching semesters.  

Kristin Scrabis-Fletcher