Political science associate professor Sarah Reckhow selected as 2018-19 Radcliffe Fellow

May 9, 2018

The Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University has selected Sarah Reckhow to be a Radcliffe Institute fellow. Not only was the pool of applicants outstanding, but the disciplinary breadth of Radcliffe’s incoming fellowship class is impressive: from a scientist seeking a solution to water scarcity in North Africa and the Middle East to a celebrated documentary photographer best known for her iconic images of carnival strippers and Nicaragua’s Sandinistas. Reckhow joins more than 50 women and men in the 2018–2019 Radcliffe fellowship class as they pursue work across the sciences, social sciences, humanities and arts.

As the 2018–2019 Maury Green Fellow, Reckhow will pursue an individual project in a community dedicated to exploration and inquiry at Harvard’s institute for advanced study.

“We’re delighted with this new group of exceptionally talented fellows,” says Radcliffe Institute Dean Lizabeth Cohen RI ’02, the Howard Mumford Jones Professor of American Studies in Harvard’s Department of History, “and we are excited to see what the coming year holds, as they each embrace the unique intellectual and creative freedom that a Radcliffe fellowship offers.”

While in residence, fellows at the Radcliffe Institute present lectures and exhibitions to the public, participate in cross-disciplinary study groups, and work closely with undergraduate Harvard students who serve as research partners.

Sarah Reckhow is an associate professor of political science at Michigan State University. Her research focuses on urban politics and policy, and the role of nonprofits and philanthropy in the political process.

At the Radcliffe Institute, Reckhow will work on a book project- “Governing without Government”- examining the intersection of two trends in U.S. politics: the weakening of local governments in some parts of the country due to public sector austerity and the rising importance of resources from private sector philanthropy and nonprofit initiatives. The book will track the consequences of these changes, including the impacts on civic engagement.

The Radcliffe Institute has awarded more than 900 fellowships since its founding in 1999.