Investing in discovery

From left: Nathan Furey, Wilfred Wollheim, Analena Bruce 

An endowed professorship is a quiet piece of ‌academic infrastructure, like a stone bridge that ‌outlasts the traffic crossing it. Funded in perpetuity, it frees professors from the constant pull of short-term funding cycles so they can pursue questions whose answers may take years to emerge. The endowment supports not only an individual faculty member but also the students, laboratories, field sites, and ideas that surround them. 

Donors who fund endowed professorships create a lasting legacy that’s tied to their values and experiences. It’s a meaningful way to give back and stay connected to the university — with recognition, pride, and the satisfaction of making a long-term impact.

Nathan Furey, associate professor in the department of biological sciences, has been named the first Robert Summers Professor of Biology, a new professorship established through a $1 million gift from philanthropist Robert Summers. The award recognizes Furey’s internationally respected research in aquatic animal movement and his commitment to graduate student mentorship. Funding from the professorship will support student research opportunities, fieldwork, conference travel, and innovative projects that advance scientific discovery. The generous gift reflects Summers’ long-standing interest in advancing scientific inquiry and education and his aim to strengthen the academic environment for both faculty and graduate students in the life sciences.

Wilfred Wollheim, professor in the department of natural resources and the environment, has been awarded the Josephine A. Lamprey Professorship in Climate and Sustainability. Wollheim’s research focuses on how freshwater ecosystems respond to climate change, land use, and human activity, helping communities better protect water quality and aquatic systems. The professorship will support continued research and collaboration aimed at advancing sustainable, science-based solutions to climate and environmental challenges in New Hampshire and beyond.

Analena Bruce, associate professor in the department of agriculture, nutrition, and food systems, has been named the Thomas W. Haas Professor in Sustainable Food Systems. The professorship supports efforts to strengthen sustainable, equitable, and resilient food systems across New Hampshire and New England. Bruce plans to expand partnerships with farmers, community organizations, and food system leaders through research, outreach, and collaboration focused on improving farm viability and access to healthy food.