Yulian Wu, Associate Professor of history at Michigan State University, was recently awarded a fellowship with the Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS) in Social Science, one of the world’s leading centers for curiosity-driven basic research in Princeton, New Jersey. Albert Einstein was one of the organization’s first professors and remained there until his death in 1955.

Wu will be a residential member of the School of Historical Studies for the 2025-2026 academic year. During this fellowship, she will be able to take a deep dive into her research surrounding nephrite jade, the most coveted luxury mineral in Qing China (1644–1912), the last imperial dynasty in China. She explores the dynamics between resource management and Qing empire-building.

Not only has Wu made nephrite jade a part of her research, but it has also always been a part of her life, as the Chinese character that represents the mineral, 玉, is literally in her name: Wu Yulian, 吳玉廉.