JJ Neiman-Brown Academic Caretaking Fund AY22 Report
Family Services launched the JJ Neiman-Brown Memorial Fund in early 2022 to support child or other caretaking costs for faculty and postdoctoral researchers as they engage in professional and academic development opportunities.
This fund was established by UI faculty member Maurine Neiman and her husband Bennett Brown in memory of their three-year-old son JJ who unexpectedly died in his sleep in 2020 Since his loss Maurine and Bennett have focused on making meaning out of tragedy, working to ensure JJ’s name lives on as a source of joy and positive change.
Eligibility
University of Iowa faculty members or postdoctoral scholars with caregiving responsibilities for a child or loved one can apply. Examples of academic and professional opportunities eligible for funding include:
• Attendance at a conference or other professional event
• Event where research is presented or shared
• Travel to work with collaborators, or to access field sites/resources
Application Process
Applications can be submitted at any time (for amounts up to $500 and are reviewed quarterly), through the Workflow System. See link at the Academic Caretaking Fund website.
Application Review Committee:
• Kelly Messingham, Research Professor of Dermatology
Nominated by Faculty Senate
• Amany Farag, PhD, RN, Associate Professor College of Nursing
Nominated by Council on the Status of Women
• Emily Thomas, Clinical Assistant Professor, Psychological and Brain Sciences
Nominated by Office of the Provost
“This has allowed me to make choices that I'm not sure I would have made if there was no chance for some financial assistance. It also makes me feel that I might be able to take advantage of some opportunities that I otherwise wouldn't have considered (i.e. taking my daughter with me to a conference, or hiring care for her while I'm gone).”
-AY22 Fund Recipient Faculty Support
A total of $3,305 was allocated among seven recipients (Assistant Professors, Postdoctoral Research Fellows, Clinical Assistant Professor, and a Lecturer). Funds were used to support:
• Travel to attend conference
• Expenses related to presenting research at symposium
• Child care expenses to allow attendance at academic meeting
The JJ Neiman-Brown Academic Caretaking Fund is a partnership between University Human Resources, Office of the Provost and University of Iowa Center for Advancement
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