Lewis Latimer Fellowship Program

Jonathan Cropper is the founder of Futurlogic Advanced Concepts, a highly confidential business development, design, and branding studio.

He has designed and implemented innovation strategies for many global brands, and sits on multiple startup boards as an angel investor and advisor.

Most recently, Jon was the Head of Global Real Estate, Aviation & Marine Partnerships for Aston Martin Lagonda.

As Executive Director for the Edison Awards™, Frank has been a leader in recognizing and promoting innovation across the world. Frank has a complete dedication to the growth of The Edison Awards and develops partnerships and networks to promote inclusivity in the field of innovation.

Originally established in 1987, the Edison Awards™ have recognized and honored some of the most innovative products and business leaders in the world and is among the most prestigious accolades honoring excellence in new product and service development, marketing, design and innovation.

Carmichael is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Material Impact, and bases the fund’s strategy on his successful career as an entrepreneur-investor in materials, blending a unique business model of licensing university technology and commercializing it through targeted partnerships with Fortune 500 companies. His current investments include Soft Robotics and Zero Mass Water.

Carmichael is also member of Breakthrough Energy, a mission-oriented group committed to changing the world by creating and building companies that address the threat of climate change and long-term sustainability of the planet. As part of their work, Breakthrough Energy will invest over $1B over the next 20 years to help scale products for energy, transportation, agriculture, and construction, with a focus on big concept projects that promise the largest possible benefit to the earth’s future. 

Gordon Knox is a cultural innovator, institution builder, educator and arts-program designer.

Starting with the simple truth that humans are social beings, and that culture is the result of their interaction, Gordon has envisioned and established groups, residencies and institutions that support imaginative, exploratory artists and thinkers from across cultures and disciplines. The models for these organizations often emerge from familiar forms of human assembly: the home, shared meals, forums for the exchange of ideas, and institutions that encourage shared learning and collective efforts. His projects aim to make real an environment where thoughtful investigation, innovative thinking and shared values become a healthy matrix for cultural evolution.

Gordon’s work advances effective cultural institutions, public forums and community spaces, and he does this by assembling exceptional teams promoting shared values. His efforts have produced enduring institutions that encourage social transformation and cultural adaptation by engaging arts, architecture, community and our innate orientation towards cultural affinity.

Gordon Knox was president of the San Francisco Art Institute, director of the Arizona State University Art Museum, core collaborator at the Stanford Humanities Lab and founder of artist residencies at Civitella Ranieri in Italy, the Lucas Artists Programs in California, the Combine Artist Residency in Arizona, and the Woodman Artist Residency in Florence, Italy, as well as many short-term residencies, exhibitions and convenings globally. 

Tish Futrell is the Director of Academic Engagement in the Office of Alumni Engagement and Development (AED). In this role, she plans, executes, and oversees academic programs for alumni and their families through Duke, both online and in person. Futrell came to Duke in 2013 and earned a Master of Arts from Duke’s Graduate Liberal Studies program. Tish has worked in higher education administration for nearly two decades. Before starting her role at Duke, she spent eight years at Clark Atlanta University, where she held several positions that helped shape her affinity for working in higher education. Her background includes strategic communications, public relations, event planning, and oversight. Tish is a lifelong learner and enjoys giving back to the community through stewardship and public service. She lives in Durham with her family and their dog and enjoys traveling, cooking, and attending live music shows. 

Complete the form below to download the 2027 Nomination Guide.