University of Michigan Professors Join Oldest US Scholarly Society
Two esteemed professors from the University of Michigan have been inducted into the American Philosophical Society, the oldest scholarly organization in the United States. Rosina Bierbaum, a renowned environmental policy maker, and Catharine McKinnon, a pioneering advocate for sex equality issues, have joined the ranks of this prestigious society, which was founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1743.
With a rich history spanning 280 years, the American Philosophical Society has recognized distinguished scholars worldwide for their contributions to promoting useful knowledge. Its exclusive membership includes renowned figures such as Charles Darwin, Robert Frost, Louis Pasteur, and influential Founding Fathers like Benjamin Franklin, George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson.
Rosina Bierbaum, the dean emerita at the University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability, has been at the forefront of the intersection between science and government policy since the 1980s. She has served as a science advisor to three U.S. presidents—Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, and briefly, George W. Bush.
Catharine McKinnon, a respected law professor at the University of Michigan, has made groundbreaking contributions to the field of sexual harassment law. She played a pivotal role in establishing legal protections for victims of sexual harassment and helped create ordinances recognizing pornography as a civil rights violation while advocating for the abolition of prostitution. For her lifetime legal contributions, McKinnon was awarded the society’s prestigious Henry Phillips Prize in Jurisprudence.
Rosina Bierbaum’s passion for environmental issues can be traced back to her childhood in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, a steel town plagued by air pollution. Encouraged by her parents, who instilled in her a love for science, Bierbaum embarked on a career dedicated to studying and addressing environmental challenges. She pursued her doctorate in evolutionary ecology and became actively involved in policy-making, especially on climate science, foreign relations, and international development. Bierbaum’s work as the lead author of the U.S. National Climate Assessment and her roles in the Clinton and Obama administrations solidified her expertise and influence in shaping environmental policies.
Reflecting on her experience, Bierbaum commends the current generation of students for their ability to think across disciplines, which she believes equips them to be future leaders. In contrast to her own training, which emphasized specialized knowledge, Bierbaum recognizes the value of interdisciplinary approaches in finding solutions to multifaceted problems.
Catharine McKinnon’s groundbreaking work addressing gender equality, sexual abuse, and sexual exploitation has profoundly influenced the field of law. Her book Sexual Harassment of Working Women: A Case of Sex Discrimination, published in 1979, established the legal claim for sexual harassment as a form of sex discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. McKinnon’s tireless efforts to challenge power dynamics and advocate for survivors of sexual violation have had a lasting impact on laws, institutions, and countless lives worldwide.
Catharine McKinnon expressed gratitude for the society’s recognition, emphasizing that her work in practicing law for change and amplifying the voices of those who have been silenced aligns with the principles of jurisprudence. She acknowledges the significance of lifting up those whose actions challenge existing power structures.
The induction of Rosina Bierbaum and Catharine McKinnon into the American Philosophical Society demonstrates their remarkable accomplishments and the profound impact of their work. These remarkable professors from the University of Michigan have joined the ranks of a select group of scholars who have shaped the course of knowledge and contributed to society for almost three centuries. Their expertise and dedication continue to inspire future generations of leaders and serve as a testament to the importance of advancing useful knowledge in our ever-evolving world.
