CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – The Ukrainian Research Institute at Harvard University announced on April 19 that Dr. Emily Channell-Justice will develop and lead its new program on contemporary Ukraine.
The program, named the Temerty Contemporary Ukraine Program (T-CUP), has been established with the generous financial support of James Temerty, a Ukrainian Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist. The T-CUP initiative will extend the scope of HURI’s work beyond its traditional focus on literature, history and language. With an emphasis on the social sciences, the program is a response to the growing need for experts who can analyze the unfolding changes in Ukrainian society and politics. It is HURI’s hope that the program will serve as an influential platform for the academic and policy communities to exchange ideas.
As Director of T-CUP, Dr. Channell-Justice will first be charged with developing the priorities and strategy of the program. She will be responsible for day-to-day management and implementation of projects that support research on Ukraine’s contemporary foreign policy, domestic government and politics, and significant sociological and cultural trends. While organizing events that bring together numerous experts, Dr. Channell-Justice’s expertise will enrich the program as she carries out her own research and analysis.
As she prepares to join HURI this summer, Dr. Channell-Justice is finishing her term as a postdoctoral fellow and visiting assistant professor at Miami University, Ohio. Previously, she completed a doctorate degree in cultural anthropology at the City University of New York, conducting ethnographic fieldwork on contemporary activist initiatives in Ukraine.
Her current project seeks to understand some of the ways the growing IT sector has influenced self-perception in Ukraine. In general, her research interests include contemporary Ukrainian politics, economy and society, with a focus on social movements, gender issues, and economic development.
The program will officially launch later this year, and HURI noted that it will share more news as plans for this new project develop.
HURI expressed thanks to Mr. Temerty for making T-CUP possible. In addition to his philanthropic activities, Mr. Temerty has made his mark as a successful business entrepreneur, an inspiring leader, and an advocate for sustainable energy. Born in Ukraine, he moved with his family to Canada in 1950. Ukraine has joined Canada in recognizing Mr. Temerty’s skill and leadership, honoring him with the Order of Yaroslav the Wise in 2015. Mr. Temerty’s business ventures have spanned the technology, retail and energy sectors, while his generosity has benefited causes such as mental health and addiction treatment, music and education in Ukraine.