KU News Release

Sept. 10, 2007
Contact: Mike Krings, University Relations, (785) 864-8860.

Internationally acclaimed scholars part of KU’s class of new faculty

LAWRENCE — Nearly 70 nationally and internationally renowned experts are taking the next step in their careers at the University of Kansas.

Among the most distinguished are Blake Peterson, professor of medicinal chemistry; Paulette Spencer, Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering and director of KU’s bioengineering research efforts; and Derrick Darby, associate professor of philosophy, who specializes in social and political philosophy and edited a book on the relationship between hip-hop music and philosophy.

BLAKE PETERSON

Blake Peterson, professor of medicinal chemistry, joins KU from Pennsylvania State University, where he was an associate professor of chemistry. He was previously a Damon Runyon-Walter Winchell Cancer Research Foundation postdoctoral fellow at Harvard University. Peterson holds a doctorate from the University of California-Los Angeles.

Peterson leads interdisciplinary research efforts in bioorganic and medicinal chemistry and chemical biology. Among the objectives of his research are developing synthetic cell receptors as a new tool for drug delivery and studying small molecule-protein interactions to generate potential therapeutic leads. At KU, his research will focus on developing anti-cancer drugs and delivery systems. The interdisciplinary nature of research opportunities at KU drew him to the position.

“I was attracted to KU by the impressive stature of the KU School of Pharmacy and the strong emphasis at KU on research at the interface between chemistry, biology and medicine,” Peterson said. “Moving from a traditional chemistry department to KU medicinal chemistry will allow me to more effectively pursue my interests in the areas of anticancer drug discovery and delivery. I also look forward to pursuing collaborative projects with investigators in medicinal chemistry, the KU Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and the KU Medical Center.”

PAULETTE SPENCER

Paulette Spencer, the Deane E. Ackers Distinguished Professor in the School of Engineering, is a leader in the development of biomaterials that can be used to replace natural skeletal or oral tissues lost due to trauma, disease or age. She joins KU from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where she was a professor and director of the Center for Research on Interfacial Structure and Properties.

Spencer will lead a bioengineering research contingent of close to two dozen faculty members, including three at the KU Medical Center and 20 divided between the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Department of Chemical Engineering on KU’s Lawrence campus.

“I have had a wonderful experience building a program with my colleagues in the UMKC School of Dentistry, but the growth in my research has led me to consider the opportunities within a major bioengineering research environment,” Spencer said. “That is what the University of Kansas offers, and I’m pleased to be able to pursue this without leaving the area.”

DERRICK DARBY

Derrick Darby, associate professor of philosophy, comes to KU from Texas A&M University. He previously taught at Northwestern University and the University of Virginia. He holds a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Pittsburgh.

In addition to social and political philosophy, Darby specializes in African-American philosophy. He co-edited “Hip Hop and Philosophy: Rhyme 2 Reason” and is working on a pair of books about moral rights and freedom. He has lectured on similar topics around the nation and around the world, including most recently in Brazil, where he was invited to teach a seminar in Sáo Carlos, and last year at the University of Cape Town in South Africa.

“Hip Hop and Philosophy” gathers essays from numerous distinguished writers, bridging the gap between the two seemingly different disciplines, and helps put philosophy in a new light for students.

“The book shows that philosophy is not something that only super-cerebral people can have access to,” Darby said. “You have to meet students where they are. If you want to teach, you have to reach.”

Darby, who will also teach a seminar in the KU School of Law, said he was impressed by the KU administration’s commitment to research and international education.

“KU has visionary administrative types. In meeting with them, I got the idea that I will get support from them that will allow to me to carry out my research and the opportunity to contribute to the university as well,” Darby said.

More veteran faculty joining KU this year:

— Martin Bergee, professor of music and dance, returns to KU, where he earned a doctorate and master’s. He has conducted performances throughout the United States and the world.
— Robert DeYoung, Capitol Federal Professor in Financial Markets and Institutions, joins KU after working for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
— Christopher Forth, Howard Teaching Professor of Humanities and Western Civilization, comes to KU from the Australian National University.
— Andrew Fry, professor and chair of health, sport and exercise sciences, will lead the department at KU following a distinguished stint at the University of Memphis.
— Mary Fry, professor of health, sport and exercise sciences, comes to KU from the University of Memphis. She has been recognized for her work by the North American Society for the Psychology of Sport and Physical Activity.
— Anil Misra, professor of civil, environmental and architectural engineering, is an expert in geomechanics/geomaterials and biomechanics/biomaterials.

For a full list of KU’s new faculty, visit the Oread Web site.

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