Dr. Margaret Lewis, professor in the Department of History and Philosophy, and Dr. Curtis Kunkel, professor of mathematics and statistics, have been selected as UT Martin’s first Featured Faculty Scholars for the fall 2026 semester.
Lewis will present a public lecture titled “Early Modern Surgery: What Medical History Can Teach Us About Method, Evidence, and Information Literacy” at 4 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 29, in the North Windows area of the Paul Meek Library. The event is free and open to the public. A livestream will be available on the UT Martin Webcasting YouTube channel, and a recording of the presentation will be accessible through the same link following the program.
“I will be discussing my research into early modern obstetrical surgery, particularly the emergence of the caesarean section,” she said.
Lewis will explain how historians conduct research by locating, assessing and interpreting manuscript sources, early published accounts and the scholarly work of other historians.
She also will highlight the rigorous standards historians use to evaluate evidence and develop research conclusions.
“Although our methods differ from those used in mathematics and the hard sciences, historians apply similarly rigorous standards of evidence in their research,” she said.
Lewis joined the UT Martin faculty in 2013 after earning her Ph.D. from the University of Virginia. Her research focuses on early modern Germany, with particular interests in women, gender, crime and medicine. She teaches courses in world and European history, and is a graduate of the inaugural class of UT Martin’s Chancellor’s Leadership Academy.
Kunkel will present his research lecture, “From Student Researcher to Faculty Mentor: Kunkel’s Undergraduate Research Journey,” at 4 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 29, in the Paul Meek Library. The event is free and open to the public. The presentation will also be livestreamed with a recording available afterward.
Drawing on experiences that began as an undergraduate student in rural Minnesota, Kunkel will explore how early research opportunities shaped his academic and professional journey.
“Those early experiences created a pathway into graduate school and led me to my current position here at UT Martin,” he said.
During the lecture, Kunkel will highlight research projects from throughout his career, discuss the evolution of his scholarly interests and share insights into his current work. He will also reflect on the importance of involving students in meaningful research experiences.
“We have a responsibility to provide similar undergraduate research opportunities for today’s students,” he said.
A member of the UT Martin faculty since 2007, Kunkel joined the university after earning his master’s and doctoral degrees in mathematics from Baylor University. Through courses ranging from elementary statistics and probability theory to upper-level calculus, he helps students develop a strong foundation in mathematical thinking while creating opportunities for undergraduate research and discovery.
Kunkel’s scholarship focuses on boundary value problems and has resulted in numerous publications, including several co-authored with student researchers. In recognition of his excellence in teaching and scholarship, Kunkel received UT Martin’s Cunningham Award in 2017.
Begun in fall 1996, the Featured Faculty Scholar program recognizes faculty whose research and creative achievements are among the most distinguished on campus. This presentation is co-sponsored by the Division of Academic Affairs and the Paul Meek Library.
For more information about the Featured Faculty Scholars program, contact Dr. Erik Nordberg, dean of the Paul Meek Library, at 731-881-7070, or visit the library’s Runway page.
PHOTO: Dr. Margaret Lewis and Dr. Curtis Kunkel are Featured Faculty Scholars for the fall 2026 semester. They will have presentations at the Paul Meek Library: Lewis on Sept. 29 and Kunkel on Oct. 29.
