Maggie Williams, an assistant professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Michigan State University, is one of 18 faculty and staff chosen nationally for the Campus Compact Engaged Scholars Initiative for 2025-26. The program is designed to strengthen the community-engaged scholarship of early career faculty and staff by offering a year of cohort-based leadership and professional development.
According to Campus Compact, “scholars were selected based on their commitment to centering equity in their civic and community engagement work. Members of the cohort hold a wide variety of roles on their campuses, but each has a demonstrated history of effective civic and community engagement work. These highly qualified scholars come from Campus Compact member institutions throughout the country, representing 18 institutions across 13 states.”
“The Engaged Scholars Initiative is allowing me to grow as an action-oriented researcher through professional-development activities and consultation with other fantastic community-engaged scholars from other disciplines,” Williams said.
Williams’ research interests lie at the nexus of biotechnology, molecular microbial ecology, and human health. Microorganisms inhabit nearly every environment on Earth and play a central role in major element cycling. As microbiomes are critical to the health of individual humans, plants, and animals, so are they critical to the overall health of the planet.
“I am particularly excited to develop my skills in forming and maintaining meaningful and mutually beneficial partnerships with members of the community, which would allow my research to truly make a difference,” Williams added.
Two researchers from MSU were chosen for this year’s cohort. Williams is joined by Leonora Souza Paula, assistant professor in the Department of English.
“Dr. Paula and Dr. Williams are exceptional representatives of Michigan State’s dedication to fostering meaningful partnerships between the university and communities,” said MSU Provost Laura Lee McIntyre. “Their selection for the Engaged Scholars Initiative reflects their focus on creating positive change alongside the communities they serve, and we’re proud to support them in their mission to advance community-engaged scholarship.”
Engaged Scholars work on collaborative projects that strengthen their community-engaged scholarship and participate in both virtual and in-person meetings throughout the academic year. The program offers cohort members training focused on becoming change-makers within their communities and institutions, while enriching their individual and collective scholarship.
Williams earned three degrees at MSU: a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 2010, a master’s degree in 2013, and a doctorate in 2017, both in environmental engineering. She worked as an assistant professor at Central Michigan University before returning to MSU in 2025.
Learn more about the Engaged Scholars Initiative on Campus Compact’s website.
Written by Judi Melena Smelser
MSU College of Engineering Media and Public Relations page