The University of Georgia has announced the selection of 11 faculty members for its 2025-2026 Aspire Fellows cohort. The group includes representatives from seven university schools and colleges, as well as the Center for Teaching and Learning.
The Aspire Fellows program, established in 2017, is intended for mid-career and senior faculty on any career track. Participants complete a signature project aimed at expanding their professional impact. The program also offers workshops to develop skills in project management, leadership, and team building. It is designed to foster connections across the university community and help experienced faculty navigate the complexities of higher education.
“We congratulate these highly accomplished faculty who exemplify the University of Georgia’s commitment to excellence in teaching, research and service,” said Elizabeth Weeks, interim vice provost for academic affairs and associate provost for faculty affairs. “We look forward to seeing how their significant projects and engagement with this energizing cohort program will enrich their professional journeys.”
The 2025-2026 Aspire Fellows are:
– Drew Abney, associate professor in psychology at Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and a faculty affiliate at UGA’s Institute for Artificial Intelligence.
– Andrew Karl Barnett, associate professor of emergency medicine at Augusta University/University of Georgia Medical Partnership.
– Lilong Chai, associate professor in poultry science at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, who also serves on the steering committee for the Institute for Integrative Precision Agriculture.
– Rabindranath De La Fuente, professor specializing in reproductive biology/epigenetics at the College of Veterinary Medicine.
– Jennifer Eimers, assistant director for scholarship of teaching and learning at the Center for Teaching and Learning.
– Julie Grainy, senior lecturer in microbiology at Franklin College of Arts and Sciences.
– James Huff, associate professor of engineering education at the College of Engineering.
– Sharina Maíllo-Pozo, associate professor in Romance languages at Franklin College of Arts and Sciences.
– Assaf Oshri, endowed professor in human development and family science at the College of Family and Consumer Sciences.
– Amy Taylor, clinical services and research librarian at Alexander Campbell King Law Library in the School of Law.
– Hui (Iris) Zhang, associate professor in physiology and pharmacology at Isakson Center for Neurological Disease Research.
The Office of Faculty Affairs coordinates the Aspire Fellows program as part of its efforts under the Office of the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost.
