The Emerging Technologies Faculty Fellows Program (ET FFP) brings together a multidisciplinary cohort of educators from across the University of Minnesota to lead the way in the ethical and effective integration of generative AI (GenAI) into higher education.
As teaching and learning continue to evolve in a rapidly changing technological landscape, these Fellows serve as a vital community of practice. Over the course of an 18-month program, they are tasked with exploring how AI tools can enhance student engagement, promote inclusive and accessible pedagogy, and support academic excellence.
To ensure the continuity of this mission, the program is supported by Fellowship mentors. These mentors participated in the 2024-2025 cohort and provide their proven insights and expertise in integrating GenAI into the classroom to guide the current group.
The Faculty Fellows listed below are spearheading innovative projects that bridge the gap between emerging technology and classroom application. Their work not only transforms their own courses but also provides essential guidance and resources for the broader University community.
Current Faculty Fellows
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Molly Ball
Assistant Professor of American Studies
College of Liberal Arts
Twin Cities
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Carl Bevelhymer
Assistant Professor, Sociology
Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Education
Crookston
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Katherine Furniss
Teaching Associate Professor
College of Biological Sciences
Twin Cities
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Luci Kandler
Teaching Specialist of Apparel Design
College of Design
Twin Cities
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Maxwell Kramer
Teaching Associate Professor
College of Biological Sciences
Twin Cities
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JP Leider
Associate Professor of Public Health
School of Public Health
Twin Cities
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Sara North
Associate Professor & Director of Educational Innovation & Evaluation, Division of Physical Therapy | Co-Director, Center for Interprofessional Health
Medical School
Twin Cities
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Melissa Saftner
Clinical Professor of Nursing
School of Nursing
Twin Cities
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Jomara Sandbulte
Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Swenson College of Science and Technology
Duluth
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Ingrid Schneider
Professor, Forestry
College of Food, Agricultural & Natural Resource Sciences
Twin Cities
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Adam Schrag
Senior Lecturer in Management Communication
Carlson School of Management
Twin Cities
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John Teschner
Teaching Assistant Professor
College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Duluth
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Yang Zhang
Professor of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences
College of Liberal Arts
Twin Cities
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Perle Zhitnitskiy
Associate Professor in Swine Health and Management
College of Veterinary Medicine
Twin Cities
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Nicole Zitterkopf
Assistant Professor of Medical Laboratory Science
College of Pharmacy
Twin Cities
Faculty Fellow Mentors
The Mentor role combines program leadership with individualized coaching to support the successful integration of GenAI in the classroom. Mentors are responsible for co-developing program agendas and providing Fellows with constructive feedback on project implementation. Their expertise helps bridge the gap between emerging technology and equitable, effective teaching.
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Mark Collier
Professor of Philosophy
Division of Humanities
UMN Morris
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Nicole Dillard
Assistant Professor of Human Resource Development
Organizational Leadership, Policy, & Development
College of Education and Human Development
UMN Twin Cities
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Darren LaScotte
Senior Lecturer, Minnesota English Language Program
College of Continuing & Professional Studies
UMN Twin Cities