On any given day in social isolation, we are confronted with moments that remind us of life before the COVID-19 pandemic. Media, conversations, Zoom classes, and even Mother Nature’s transit of seasons all inspire a longing to return to the normalcy of friendship, commerce, education, and research. Meanwhile, time passes as though we were heating water on Schrödinger’s stove — from one point of view, the watched pot never boils, and from another, it happens in a flash. Perspectives are distorted in this reality that we endure together.

Regardless, I remind myself that research efforts were in full force at Colgate University mere weeks ago, and it will not be long — especially in the grand history of a 200-year-old institution — before they are thriving again. As proof, we offer the spring edition of Colgate Research. These stories underscore the University’s unwavering purpose as an institution of higher education, the remarkable work that has been done recently by Colgate’s gifted faculty members, and the creativity that will carry humanity forward into a brighter future. Enjoy and be well.

Tracey E. Hucks
Provost and Dean of the Faculty
James A. Storing Professor of Religion and Africana & Latin American Studies