The biology department has already completed its search. Ethan Clotfelter, currently an assistant professor at Providence College, will join the department next year. "I'm coming to Amherst for several reasons, including the outstanding students, the institutional support for faculty research and the great quality of life for myself and my family."
Clotfelter studies animal behavior and is especially interested in the effects of hormones on behavior as well as the possibility of behavioral effects of environmental pollutants. "I work with both birds and fish and use a combination of field and laboratory approaches," said Clotfelter. "I've also become interested in the phenomenon of environmental endocrine disruption, in which contaminants adversely affect the endocrine system of humans and wildlife."
Next fall, Clotfelter will offer an animal behavior course-the first in biology for some years- and will be one professor of Biology 18: organismal biology in the spring.
"We anticipate his adding other courses in future years in areas related to his research interests," said Chair of the Biology Department David Ratner.
The chemistry department has also completed its hiring process. Karena McKinney, a postdoctoral fellow at the California Institute of Technology, will teach introductory chemistry and will develop a new course for majors focusing on environmental chemistry, according to Chair of the Chemistry Department David Hansen.
"All of us in chemistry are most excited that she has accepted our offer and is coming to Amherst," said Hansen. "For her research, Professor McKinney will work with students at the Harvard Forest in nearby Petersham studying the effects of biogenic hydrocarbons on the atmosphere."
The classics department is seeking a tenure-track professor with a specialty in Latin. In March, the department will interview a two year Mellon Fellow (a post-doctoral fellow who will teach one course a semester and do research half-time.)
"We hope to make an offer before spring break." said Chair of the Classics Department Frederick Griffiths.
The Russian department has also made an offer to a candidate and is waiting for a reply.
"We are looking for [a candidate] with excellent teaching and research, someone who can add a new dimension to our curriculum," said Chair of the Russian Department Catherine Ciepiela.
The history department is conducting a joint search with the Asian languages and civilizations department for a tenure-track professor with a specialization in middle eastern history.
"We have interviewed candidates and will meet this week to make a decision about the hiring decision. We also have two other non-tenure track searches going, but the processes are not nearly as far along. One is for a short-term contract job in African-American history, and the second is for a Mellon Fellow in contemporary Western European history," said Chair of the History Department Sean Redding.
The American studies and anthropology and sociology departments are hiring sociologists specializing in ethnicity with an emphasis on Asian American or Latino culture.
The economics department is currently searching for a specialist in industrial organization.
The department of law, jurisprudence and social thought is also conducting a search.