Martha Grossel and Michelle Dunlap receive accolades

Professor Martha Grossel

Professors Martha J. Grossel and Michelle Dunlap have each received accolades from Connecticut state agencies for advancing their fields of expertise.

Grossel, the George and Carol Milne Assistant Professor of Biology, was selected as a “Woman of Innovation” in the field of research by the Connecticut Technology Council. The Connecticut African-American Affairs Commission named Associate Professor of Human Development Michelle Dunlap “Woman of the Year.”

Grossel joined CC in 1999 and specializes in molecular and cell biology. Her research involves understanding what causes the unchecked cellular division that is associated with cancer.

Frances Hoffmann, dean of the faculty, nominated Grossel for the award. “Dr. Grossel exemplifies the liberal arts in her dedication not only to important research, but also in her innovative and tireless style of teaching and mentoring students and involving them in her cutting-edge research,” she said.

Professor Michelle Dunlap

Dunlap was honored for demonstrating a commitment to the advancement of the African-American community in the state. Her work is focused on the frequently misunderstood observance of African-American mothers and their discipline and communication styles with children. She repeatedly has been invited to make presentations of her work in locations as distant as Finland and Russia.

For the past decade Dunlap has applied her academic and personal passion to benefit children and families in New London, Norwich and southeastern Connecticut. She has served on many boards, including the Strategic Planning Committee of New London public schools, the steering committee of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Connecticut Women and Girls Fund, and as a director of the Child and Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut.

“I can think of no better candidate for this award than Michelle,” Hoffmann said. She described Dunlap as gracious, determined, compassionate and tenacious, and said she brings to all she does a deeply rooted sense of social justice. Hoffmann said Dunlap is able to work across differences to improve people's understanding of each other and to encourage change.

A faculty member since 1994, Dunlap has published more than a dozen scholarly articles and two books, all designed to help people work more effectively with children and families of color. Her first book, Reaching Out to Children and Families: Students Model Effective Community Service, is used as a primary resource by faculty, students and volunteers nationally.

Martha J. Grossel's faculty profile.

Michelle Dunlap's faculty profile.