Professor Michael David Lukas Receives Marcus Early Career Research Award

In its second year, the College of Liberal & Creative Arts’ Marcus Early Career Research Award will help five faculty members complete their book and film projects that explore social justice issues in the U.S. and abroad.

The award, supported by the George and Judy Marcus Funds for Excellence in the Liberal Arts, provides a one-semester leave in 2021 – 2022. It funds projects in research, scholarship, and creative activities. Probationary tenure-track faculty in their third, fourth or fifth year are eligible. Last year, three assistant professors won the award.

Creative Writing Assistant Professor Michael David Lukas’ third novel, will be a post-apocalyptic retelling of the Book of Esther. Tentatively titled “Scroll of Stars,” it recasts the biblical story as a feminist parable. In this multi-ethnic society, compassion wins over extremism and hate.

The Marcus award helps Lukas complete the final draft and submit it to publishers.

Creative Writing Professor and Chair Nona Caspers says the book will inspire readers to reflect on their own lives and modern-day culture and politics: “I have heard a section of Michael’s soon-to-be book and I agree with his agent — his best writing yet, nuanced, deep, evocative.”