Cranbrook Announces Dr. Petra Huck as Inaugural Caldwell Fisher Climate Science Fellow
At Cranbrook, we prepare students to thrive and empower them to shape a complex world with curiosity, compassion, and purpose. Rooted in a strong sense of social accountability, we cultivate wonder and discovery while encouraging young people to apply what they learn in ways that care for others and the world around them. Today, we are proud to share a milestone that brings this mission to life.
We are honored to announce Dr. Petra Huck as the inaugural Jennifer Caldwell and John Fisher Cranbrook Climate Science Fellow—a first-of-its-kind position in Michigan and one that is possible only because of Cranbrook’s uniquely integrated educational model.
This fellowship embodies what makes Cranbrook distinctive: a fully interconnected educational community where PreK–12 education, graduate study, museum-based learning, scientific research, and a historic campus operate not in parallel, but in partnership. Only at Cranbrook could a role be designed to intentionally unite the scientific expertise of the Cranbrook Institute of Science with the innovative teaching of Cranbrook Schools, while leveraging our 319-acre campus as a living laboratory for climate and biodiversity studies.
The creation of this fellowship is made possible through the extraordinary generosity and vision of John Fisher (Class of 1977) and Jennifer Caldwell, whose commitment to education and environmental stewardship will shape learning for generations to come. As they share:
“We are honored to establish the Climate Science Fellow position at Cranbrook. We believe that preparing students to understand and address climate change is both a responsibility and an opportunity. Our hope is that this fellowship will inspire young people to think boldly about the future and to become leaders in advancing solutions that benefit both people and planet.”
Dr. Huck brings to this role an exceptional blend of global scientific expertise and a passion for education at every level—from early learners to advanced students. Her work exemplifies Cranbrook’s belief that the most meaningful learning happens when curiosity meets real-world relevance. Reflecting on this opportunity, she notes:
“I am excited to serve as the inaugural Caldwell Fisher Cranbrook Climate Science Fellow. Cranbrook has already given me opportunities to merge my passion for atmospheric science with hands-on education. This fellowship will allow us to expand those efforts, developing innovative climate programming that inspires students to engage with some of the most pressing issues of our time.”
Through this fellowship, Cranbrook will deepen interdisciplinary collaboration, support faculty development, expand climate-focused curricula, and contribute to a future Institute exhibition and public programming on climate change—extending our impact well beyond campus and across Southeast Michigan.
Above all, this moment reflects who we are as a community: One that believes bold ideas emerge when disciplines intersect, that learning is strongest when rooted in place, and that education must evolve to meet the needs of a changing world.
We are deeply grateful to Jennifer Caldwell and John Fisher, and we are excited to see the meaningful work that Dr. Huck will lead alongside our students, faculty, and community partners.
Together, and only because of Cranbrook’s unique nature, we are preparing the next generation not just to understand a changing world—but to help shape a better one.
Lucy Hale, Susan Flint Cooper Director,
Cranbrook Institute of Science
Cranbrook Institute of Science
Dr. Jeff Suzik, PhD., Director of Schools
Cranbrook Educational Community
Cranbrook Educational Community
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