Smile Politely

Kristina Olson and Rebecca Sandefur each nab a MacArthur “Genius” Grant

Two professors with local ties have been awarded one of the highest honors one can earn, this past week. Former Urbana High School grad, Kristina Olson, has been awarded a MacArthur “Genius” Grant as part of its 2018 class for research on the social and cognitive development of transgender and gender-nonconforming youth

Currently, she’s at University of Washington, where she operating the TransYouth Project

Here at home, Rebecca Sandafur, an associate professor of sociology and law, was awarded for her work in finding ways to increase access to the justice system inside of impoverished communities

They join a handful of local folks who have been given this distinction, largely considered to be one of the pinnacles of academic and sociological engagement with the world.

Read more about their awards at the links above, and check out videos below: 

 

Photos courtesy of Macarthur Foundation

Related Articles