The 2024-2025 University Scholars are:
Basic and Applied Sciences
• Professor Joshua Bongard, Ph.D., Department of Computer Science, College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
Dr. Bongard is a nationally and internationally recognized expert in machine science and artificial intelligence, with its application to evolutionary robotics. Most impressive is his design of xenobots, living robots made of frog eggs that become programmable cells that perform desired functions. This is pure science fiction come true. He publishes regularly in the most prestigious journals (Science, Nature, PNAS, etc.) and received the 2020 Cozzarelli Prize for the most outstanding PNAS for Engineering and Applied Sciences publication. This is one of the highest recognitions for a publication. He has an H-index of 53 with >12,500 citations. He has a diverse portfolio of funding sources ranging from NAA, NSF, Army, Microsoft, and the Sloan Foundation. It is no surprise that he was awarded the NSF Presidential Career Award. His expertise is sought after by sitting on advisory panels for the NSF and DOE. His unique science has splashed the popular media and, not surprisingly, has attracted numerous trainees at ̽̽. He sits on multiple editorial boards and is an Associate Editor for various robotics journals. His reach extends way beyond Vermont, but he ensures that Vermont receives his utmost attention through presentations in various local venues, including high schools and middle schools. Dr. Bongard highly deserves the University Scholar designation in the Basic and Applied Sciences category.
• Professor Christopher Danforth, Ph.D., Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
Dr. Danforth is an internationally recognized expert in extensive data analysis and complex systems. He co-developed the Complex Systems Graduate Program. His research develops algorithms to predict and understand the intersection between human behavior and social media. He is the co-inventor of the “Hedonometer,” which gathers tweets on X (formerly Twitter) to sample the mood of the world population. Such extensive data analysis has organizations like Gallup and The Economist asking his advice on issues of the day. Such human behavior and health analysis have attracted support for the Mass Mutual Insurance Center of Excellence in Complex Systems at ̽̽, funded from 2017–2028. His >110 publications have been cited >8,000 times, with an H-index of 38 in some of the most respected journals. He has been awarded the Kroepsch-Maurice Teaching Award and has numerous trainees. His works have been cited and featured in the popular media, putting ̽̽ on the map. Dr. Danforth highly deserves the University Scholar designation in the Basic and Applied Sciences category.
Social Sciences, Humanities, and Creative Arts
• Professor Jessica Strolin-Goltzman, Ph.D., Department of Education, College of Education and Social Services
Dr. Strolin-Goltzman is is highly respected for her scholarship in social work and education, with a particular emphasis on child welfare and mental health in school settings that inform national policy. Her outstanding work has been recognized with significant and continuous federal, state, and local funding, which has amounted to nearly $20 million. Her academic recognitions include books, book chapters, peer-reviewed manuscripts, empirical articles, technical papers, and professional guidance documents with close to 2,000 citations, a significant achievement in her field. She creates and supports new degree and certificate programs and mentors and guides undergraduate and graduate students. She serves on editorial boards and advisory boards related to child welfare. Her leadership and mentoring of others, the impact of such a meaningful curriculum, and the highest research and design quality all point to the significance of the work for new knowledge generation. Dr. Strolin-Goltzman highly deserves the University Scholar designation in the Social Sciences, Humanities, and Creative Arts category.