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The Center for Teaching & Learning (CTL) has announced the selection of the 2025-26 Lilly Fellows for Teaching Excellence.

The eight fellows are:

• Brian Cheng, environmental conservation
• Laura Danai, biochemistry and molecular biology
• Carolyn Davies, psychological and brain sciences
• Meghan Huber, mechanical and industrial engineering
• Johanna Pacyga, anthropology
• Peiyi Shen, food science
• Robert Williams, architecture
• Kathy Zilch, operations and information management

During their fellowship year, the participants will attend regular seminars on pedagogy, develop a new course or substantially redesign an existing one, complete a teaching portfolio that includes teaching reflections and activities adapted to the course, and work collaboratively to anticipate many of the challenges and rewards of faculty life at UMass Amherst.

Established in 1986, the Lilly Fellowship for Teaching Excellence supports the university's strategic interest in developing academic leaders in the area of teaching. To date, the Lilly Program has trained over 285 faculty members. Past Lilly Fellows include 33 Distinguished Teaching Award (DTA) winners, 48 College Outstanding Teaching Award (COTA) winners, two Manning Award winners, over 44 department chairs, 21 associate deans and two deans.

More information about the Lilly Fellowship and testimonials from past faculty fellows can be found on the fellowship website. For questions, contact the CTL’s Brian Baldi at bbaldi@umass.edu.