Faculty mentioned Butler Professor of Environmental Studies Michael B. McElroy as one scientist who could be considered. McElroy was reported to be a candidate for the University Presidency ten years ago.

Loeb Professor of Chemistry and Co-Director of the Center for Genomics Research Stuart L. Schreiber is another scientist who some consider as having bright prospects for advancement.

Faculty also noted that given the paucity of women at the top of higher education, Summers would be well-served to seriously consider appointing a female provost.

Faculty members identify Law School Professor Martha L. Minow, Reischauer Professor of Japanese Politics Susan J. Pharr and Pusey Professor of Neurobiology Carla J. Shatz as among the most prominent possibilities.

But several professors express the worry that any appointment from those ranks would further deplete the stock of top women faculty.

Regardless of the academic field or gender of the candidates, according to the administrator close to the provost search Summers has displayed an interest in choosing a candidate who may not have held administrative posts but has hidden talents. Though faculty members have difficulty in singling out such professors, one name some mention is Mallinckrodt Professor of History of Science and Physics Peter Galison.

But some think that Summers might just choose a more established administrator—one who can hit the ground running and assist the still-inexperienced president.