Barbara Illowsky, PhD, received the inaugural Michelson OER and Innovation Fellowship, effective July 1.
Here are five highlights:
1. Spine surgeon Gary K. Michelson, MD, founded the Michelson 20MM Foundation to support and fund entrepreneurs, technologies and initiatives to advance educational opportunities.
2. Dr. Illowsky, a professor of mathematics and statistics at Cupertino, Calif.-based De Anza College, will focus on advancing open education initiatives across the California higher education systems in her new role with the Michelson 20MM Foundation.
3. Dr. Illowsky is also the chief academic officer of California Community Colleges' Online Education Initiative.
4. Free or low-cost open content creates more affordable and accessible postsecondary education.
5. Dr. Michelson completed his spinal surgery fellowship at St. Luke's Medical Center. He invented Michelson Technology, a portfolio of devices and procedures, which reduces blood loss, pain, disability and recovery time. Dr. Michelson holds 340-plus U.S. patents.
"There is perhaps no one in higher learning who has greater authority and experience in creating and championing open content than Dr. Illowsky," said Dr. Michelson.