Six New Projects to Deepen Engagement and Improve the Faculty Experience
The Office for Faculty Advancement has awarded seed grants to six new projects led by Duke faculty members. The theme for this grant cycle is “Deepening Engagement and Improving the Faculty Experience.”
Faculty were invited to propose creative approaches to strengthening faculty communities and relationships; innovative initiatives to improve the culture in departments, centers and schools; and new faculty groups that deepen engagement on topics relevant to the faculty experience.
The seed grant program will provide financial support for these novel initiatives from April 2025 through April 2026. Project leaders represent the Nicholas School of the Environment, Pratt School of Engineering, School of Medicine, School of Nursing and Trinity College of Arts & Sciences.
2025-26 Duke Faculty Advancement Seed Grants
Building Community Across Divisions: Celebrating Success and Collaboration at the Nicholas School of the Environment
Rebecca Vidra, Senior Lecturer in the Division of Marine Science and Conservation; Joel Meyer, Sally Kleberg Distinguished Chair in Environmental Toxicology; Brian McAdoo, Truman & Nellie Semans, Alex Brown & Sons Professor of Sustainability Science
This project will celebrate successes of environmental science and management by returning faculty “to the field” to develop stronger relationships and be reminded of their shared purpose. Events will draw on relationships with community partners, such as seasonal work days at the Catawba Trail Farm and a tour of the Great Coharie River and Three Sisters Swamp. A campout will bring faculty together in Duke Forest, and a tour of oyster facilities will convene Durham- and Beaufort-based faculty.
Building Educational Community: A Restorative Framework for Academic Excellence
Steven Grambow, Associate Professor of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics; Jesse Troy, Associate Professor of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics; Laine Thomas, Professor of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics
The Department of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics seeks to improve departmental culture by applying restorative justice principles across its educational environments. This project will develop and implement experiential approaches to strengthen relationships, address conflicts and build community within diverse learning spaces. The approach centers on developing simulated case studies that model how restorative justice practices can improve interactions and build trust within academic settings. Through workshops and sessions, participants will gain tools for having difficult conversations, rebuilding trust and maintaining productive relationships.
Enhancing Departmental Culture through Undergraduate Advising
Rebecca Simmons, Professor of the Practice, Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science; Walter Neal Simmons, Gendell Family Professor of the Practice, Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science
The project will develop and implement advising practices that foster a positive and collaborative culture within the Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science. By adopting innovative mentoring methods, prioritizing well-being and enhancing professional development opportunities, the new advising practices aim to create a holistic support system for undergraduate students. Faculty-student interactions will emphasize mentorship, faculty-faculty collaborations will promote shared responsibility in advising, and peer advising will encourage student-to-student support.
Enhancing Professional Development and Mentorship for Non-Regular Rank Faculty at Duke University School of Nursing
Benjamin Smallheer, Associate Clinical Professor in the School of Nursing; Stephanie Gedzyk-Nieman, Assistant Clinical Professor in the School of Nursing
Addressing the disparity in resources and professional development opportunities between regular rank and non-regular rank faculty in the School of Nursing, this project will offer workshops that provide mentorship, manuscript development support and opportunities for scholarly collaboration. The expected outcomes include collaborative scholarly publications, policy recommendations for enhancing non-regular rank faculty support, and a well-prepared cohort ready to transition to regular rank faculty roles.
Establishing a Science and Culture Network at Duke
Stefani Engelstein, Professor of German Studies; Robert Mitchell, Professor of English; Cate Reilly, Andrew W. Mellon Assistant Professor of Literature
This project seeks to bring together scholars who investigate the sciences from a variety of theoretical and historical perspectives as a set of cultural practices intertwined with many other elements of society. Three gatherings per semester will combine informal presentations with time for socializing over a meal. There will also be an off-campus activity each semester, such as a hike in Duke Forest or a visit to the Duke Lemur Center.
Thriving Together: Building Sustainable Careers at Duke University
Jennifer Ahern-Dodson, Associate Professor of the Practice, Thompson Writing Program; Cecilia Márquez, Hunt Family Assistant Professor of History
“Thriving Together” is an interdisciplinary group of professors working collaboratively to build a learning community centered on sustainable teaching and faculty well-being. Through a series of retreats and weekly gatherings, participants are reimagining classrooms and research agendas with well-being at the core. By the end of the year, they will pilot innovative programs within their departments, applying the insights and practices developed through their collective work to foster a healthier, more sustainable academic culture throughout Duke.