Office of Engagement’s Spring 2026 Broader Impact Fellows Turn Research into Real-World Impact
Purdue University’s land-grant mission is foundational by applying knowledge in ways that strengthen communities and improve lives. This commitment is highlighted through the Office of Engagement’s Broader Impact Fellows Program, a professional development opportunity that empowers faculty to translate research into meaningful change.
The Spring 2026 Broader Impact Fellows Program welcomes faculty from across disciplines who share the common goal of advancing scholarship that delivers real-world benefits. Designed to foster impact across Purdue’s mission areas, the program focuses on helping fellows intentionally integrate broader impacts into grant submissions while deepening engagement at the community level.
Through a combination of mentorship, workshops, and hands-on project development, fellows identify research initiatives with clear broader impact benefits and strong scholarly outcomes. Participants work closely with faculty mentors to set short- and long-term goals, build logic models, and develop grant proposal executive summaries that articulate impact beyond academia. In person and virtual workshops and webinars provide fellows with practical tools to strengthen engagement strategies and partnerships while amplifying the reach of their work.
In recognition of the time, effort, and creativity required to pursue meaningful engagement, each fellow receives a $1,000 stipend to support activities aligned with their broader impact goals. More importantly, fellows join a collaborative learning community where ideas are shared, refined, and grounded in Purdue’s mission.
The Office of Engagement is proud to welcome this year’s cohort:
- Dr. Richard “Ricky” Price, Educational Studies
- Dr. Bryan Duarte, Educational Studies
- William “Joey” Woodyard, College of Veterinary Medicine
- Dr. Priscilla Ding, Health and Human Sciences
- Dr. Juliana Aguilar, Educational Studies
These fellows represent a diverse range of expertise, yet all are united by a commitment to purposeful scholarship and community collaboration. Their projects will explore innovative ways to connect research with the needs of individuals, organizations, and communities.
The program officially began with the fellows’ first meeting on January 29, 2026, marking the start of a semester-long journey of learning, collaboration, and impact. The Office of Engagement appreciates the faculty who step forward, for the leaders who support their participation, and for the communities that will ultimately benefit from this work.
Together, the Spring 2026 Broader Impact Fellows exemplify what it means to bring Purdue’s land-grant mission to life. They engage, think broadly, and turn research into action to strengthen communities.