We are pleased to announce several new and returning members to the William T. Grant Scholars Selection Committee.
Launched in 1982, the William T. Grant Scholars Program supports the professional development of promising early-career researchers in the social, behavioral, and health sciences. The Selection Committee, composed of accomplished senior scientists in their respective fields, screens all applications before inviting a small group of finalists to interview at the Foundation’s New York City office. After interviewing the finalists, the Committee selects the newest class of Scholars.
Francesca López, the Jim and Georgia Thompson Distinguished Professor in the Department of Educational Policy and Leadership Analysis at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, will join the Selection Committee as a new member. López’s research centers on educational practices and policies that promote equity and belonging for historically marginalized students, particularly multilingual learners and students from racially and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
“I am honored to join the William T. Grant Scholars Selection Committee. Supporting researchers early in their careers is one of the most consequential things our field can do, and I’m committed to helping identify scholars whose work stands to improve the lives of young people who have too often been underserved by research and policy alike,” said López.
In addition, five members who previously served one-year terms have agreed to join the Selection Committee for a term of five years:
- Adriana Galván, Associate Professor of Psychology Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of California, Los Angeles.
- Amy Hsin, Professor of Migration at the University of Notre Dame.
- Noelle Hurd, Professor of Psychology at the University of Virginia.
- Brian Mustanski, Professor of Medical Social Sciences at Northwestern University.
- Jen Plass, Professor of Digital Media and Learning Sciences at New York University.
As we continue to face a higher application volume for the 2026-2027 application cycle, two members will join the Selection Committee for one-year terms: Dorinda Carter Andrews, Professor of Teacher Education at Michigan State University, and Katie Edwards, Professor of Social Work at the University of Michigan.
Trustee Hirokazu Yoshikawa, Courtney Sale Ross University Professor of Globalization and Education at New York University, will replace departing Trustee Kenji Hakuta as the Board representative for the Selection Committee. Yoshikawa, a former Scholar, previously served on the Scholars Selection Committee from 2009 to 2015.
“I am honored to return to the Scholars Selection Committee after 11 years to help support a program that nurtured my career so powerfully,” said Yoshikawa.
“We are fortunate to have so many members who have graciously decided to continue their service and delighted to welcome this year’s new additions to the Selection Committee. With each member bringing their own areas of expertise, we are confident that this Committee will engage in thoughtful deliberation as they identify and support the next generation of promising early-career scholars,” said Senior Program Officer Melissa Wooten, who manages the Scholars program.
