Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence

🎉 Congratulations to Sarah Zappe, assistant dean for teaching and learning in the Penn State College of Engineering and director of the Leonhard Center, on being named a Fellow of the American Society for Engineering Education! 🎉

One of ASEE’s highest honors, this recognition celebrates Sarah’s outstanding contributions to engineering education through leadership, scholarship, service and engagement. Her work focuses on improving engineering teaching and learning, supporting evidence-based educational practices and enhancing the student experience.

to learn more: https://www.psu.edu/news/engineering/story/engineering-design-professor-named-engineering-education-fellow

🎓 New professional development opportunity for Penn State faculty and postdocs!

The Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence and World Campus Online Faculty Development have partnered to offer a new Provost’s Endorsement in Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

UDL helps instructors proactively identify and reduce barriers to learning while creating more accessible, equitable and inclusive learning experiences for students.

The endorsement includes two courses:

📘 OL 3600: Universal Design for Learning, a self-guided, asynchronous course exploring the research and principles behind UDL.

➡️ After completing OL 3600, participants can enroll in Teach to Reach with UDL, a four-week, asynchronous course focused on applying UDL principles to instructional activities.

Both courses must be completed within one calendar year to earn the Provost’s Endorsement. The endorsement is available to current Penn State faculty and postdocs.

📩 Questions? Contact Mary Ann Tobin at [email protected].

To learn more: https://www.schreyerinstitute.psu.edu/news #2157

To register: https://www.schreyerinstitute.psu.edu/events

🎉 Congratulations to Alicia Drais-Parrillo and Jason Laine on being named Penn State’s inaugural Liberal Arts Teaching Professors! 🎉

Alicia Drais-Parrillo, teaching professor of psychology, and Jason Laine, associate teaching professor of Italian, were recognized for their outstanding contributions to teaching, research and student success. As the first recipients of this new professorship in the College of the Liberal Arts, they exemplify Penn State’s commitment to excellence in teaching, innovation and student-centered learning.

To read more: https://www.psu.edu/news/liberal-arts/story/drais-parrillo-laine-named-inaugural-liberal-arts-teaching-professors

Congratulations to Joseph Squillace, associate teaching professor in the College of Information Sciences and Technology, on completing his Fulbright U.S. Scholar experience in Hungary!

During the fall 2025 semester, Squillace taught graduate-level cybersecurity courses while collaborating with international researchers and policymakers on cybersecurity, digital defense and global security initiatives. His experience reflects Penn State's commitment to advancing research, education and collaboration on a global scale.

Read more: https://www.psu.edu/news/information-sciences-and-technology/story/ist-faculty-member-completes-fulbright-experience-hungary

Wondering when you can use copyrighted materials without permission? Join Penn State University Libraries' Fair Use workshop to explore the fundamentals of fair use through real-world examples in research and teaching.
To register: https://psu.zoom.us/meeting/register/14AKKx8cReW531iPNNnKuw #/registration

Congratulations to the Penn State faculty members who have earned promotions effective July 1, 2026! 🎉

These promotions recognize outstanding contributions to teaching, research, scholarship and service across the University. Join us in celebrating our colleagues on this well-deserved achievement and thanking them for the impact they make on our students, campus and communities every day.

Click here to see the list of promoted faculty: https://www.psu.edu/news/academics/story/penn-state-announces-tenure-line-faculty-promotions-effective-july-1-2026

Congratulations to Runze Li, Evan Pugh University Professor and Eberly Family Chair Professor in Statistics, on receiving the prestigious Gottfried E. Noether Distinguished Scholar Award from the American Statistical Association!

Li's groundbreaking research in high-dimensional data analysis has transformed modern statistical methodology and continues to drive discoveries across fields including genetics, neuroscience, environmental science, and the social sciences. His dedication to research, mentorship, and innovation exemplifies the excellence of Penn State faculty. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved national recognition!

🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸

Today, we celebrate the spirit of freedom, unity, and the opportunities that bring our communities together. As we enjoy this Fourth of July, we wish our Penn State family and communities everywhere a safe, joyful, and meaningful holiday.

🎉 FACULTY FRIDAY 🎉

This week, we're celebrating Dr. Dongwon Lee, professor and head of the Department of Privacy and Cybersecurity Informatics in Penn State's College of Information Sciences and Technology, on being named the Frymoyer Chair in Information Sciences and Technology! 👏

A globally recognized scholar, Dr. Lee's research sits at the intersection of cybersecurity, data science and social computing, with a focus on misinformation detection, AI safety and information integrity. His work has made a significant impact on research, education and the future of ethical artificial intelligence.

Congratulations, Dr. Lee, on this well-deserved honor and your continued leadership in advancing innovative and socially responsible technology!

🎉 Congratulations to Yinming Shao on being named the Downsbrough Early Career Professor of Physics! 🎉

As an assistant professor in the Department of Physics, Yinming’s innovative research in quantum materials, dedication to advancing scientific discovery, and commitment to education have already made a significant impact within the Eberly College of Science and the broader physics community. His work exploring the interactions between light and quantum materials has the potential to influence future technologies and deepen our understanding of the physical world.

Read more: https://www.psu.edu/news/eberly-college-science/story/yinming-shao-named-downsbrough-early-career-professor-physics