Houston Daily

Carlee Purdum, an assistant professor of sociology at the University of Houston, has been named a Kavli Fellow by the National Academy of Sciences. This recognition is awarded to scientists aged 45 or younger who are pioneering new directions in their fields. Purdum is one of 87 fellows for 2025 and the only representative from her university.

Reflecting on her achievement, Purdum said, "To be among the leading scientists in so many different fields was humbling. I was able to connect important work to societal impact." The fellowship program has honored over 6,800 scientists since its inception in 1989, with some going on to receive prestigious awards such as the Nobel Prize.

Purdum's research focus shifted during graduate school when she engaged in a disaster recovery project that highlighted how local governments utilize incarcerated individuals. She recounted being informed about this practice through a flyer from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, which detailed how prisoners could assist in wildfire management.

Her findings revealed that while incarcerated people were often used for labor during emergencies, there was little attention given to their rights and safety. This realization led her to advocate for these individuals and educate others about these issues. Purdum has also provided expert testimony to the Texas legislature regarding extreme heat conditions faced by prisoners due to lack of air conditioning.

As a Kavli Fellow, Purdum aims to broaden her research scope and establish connections with other fellows. "I’m able to see how previous fellows have stepped into leadership roles or are developing their own centers," she noted.

Currently focusing on Texas communities, Purdum plans to expand her research across the United States. She emphasized the importance of this work informing policy at various levels: "We’re growing the number of community partners...to see how it can apply across the United States."