Named after distinguished American theologian Michael Novak, this $15,000 award rewards new outstanding scholarly research concerning the relationship between religion, economic freedom, and the free and virtuous society. This award recognizes those scholars early in their academic career who demonstrate outstanding intellectual merit in advancing the understanding of theology’s connection to human dignity, the importance of the rule of law, limited government, religious liberty, and freedom in economic life.

Kirstin is an assistant professor of political science at Hope College, where she teaches political theory and American politics. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2023, with a dissertation exploring the civic contributions of founding-era women. Her recent work, published in journals and edited volumes, focuses on themes like citizenship, liberty, and constitutionalism. She also serves as the book reviews editor for the Journal of Religion, Culture & Democracy.