Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Faculty Award

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Faculty Award recognizes outstanding faculty who exemplify the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s scholarship, life, and justice work and who promote the principles and ethos of Dr. King’s extensive global contributions in their research, teaching, leadership, and/or community-building efforts. These awards are of particular significance as they are driven by students. Student participation includes, but is not limited to, award development, nomination, selection, and recognition of faculty honorees who have made a substantial impact within the classroom, in advancing student research and co-curricular projects, and in their work with students across the greater NYU community.


2022–2023 Award Recipients

Headshot - Emily Balcetis

Emily Balcetis

Arts and Science

Emily Balcetis, an associate professor of Psychology and the director of the Social Perception, Action, and Motivation research lab, has pioneered the scientific investigation of behavioral science and motivation.

Headshot - Michael Sean Funk

Michael Sean Funk

Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development

Michael Sean Funk is a clinical associate professor and program director of Higher and Postsecondary Education for the NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. Funk has worked in higher education for over two decades, serving in various capacities.

Headshot - Cecilia R. Mejia

Cecilia R. Mejia

Tisch School of the Arts

Cecilia R. Mejia is a second-generation Filipino American born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. She has worked for over a decade in development for nonprofit organizations, including NGOs at the United Nations.

Headshot - Mara Mills

Mara Mills

Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development

Mara Mills is an associate professor of Media, Culture, and Communication and co-founder of the NYU cross-school minors in Disability Studies and Science and Society.

Headshot - Martha E. Stark

Martha E. Stark

Wagner Graduate School of Public Service

Martha E. Stark joined the Wagner Graduate School of Public Service as a clinical professor in 2017. Stark graduated from the NYU College of Arts and Sciences with a BA in Political Science (1983) and received her JD from the NYU School of Law (1986), where she serves as a Life Trustee on the Board.


The 2023 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Faculty Award recipients will receive a research stipend and be announced and celebrated during NYU MLK Week 2023 (February 13–18).