Psychological Sciences professor receives teaching award for innovative, interactive courses

Written By: Rebecca Hoffa, rhoffa@purdue.edu

Jill Gulker, clinical assistant professor in the Purdue University Department of Psychological Sciences, is the recipient of the 2026 Jane S. Link Outstanding Teaching Award. 

The award is presented annually to a faculty member in the College of Health and Human Sciences (HHS) who demonstrates outstanding teaching performance across all phases of undergraduate instruction. Award recipients receive a cash award and are recognized at a reception following the spring HHS faculty meeting. The award is funded by HHS alumna Jane S. Link. 

Within Psychological Sciences, Gulker is known for her robust course portfolio and innovative teaching methods across formats and levels.

In fall 2025, Gulker completed the AI Academy Professional Development Workshop to implement a high-impact project for her PSY 39200 (Social Neuroscience) course in which her students developed an interactive website based on their research using AI tools. Gulker also secured an H-Innovate grant from the John Martinson Honors College to launch a project for her students to use their psychology knowledge to evaluate misinformation on social media and enhance their science communication skills.

Beyond the classroom, Gulker has developed a study abroad program in Rome, Italy, centered on cultural neuropsychology. She’ll take her first group of students in May 2026. To increase the impact of her coursework, she also completed an IMPACT (Instruction Matters: Purdue Academic Course Transformation) Fellowship to redesign learning activities in her courses across online, hybrid and in-person formats in ways that would deepen student engagement and understanding.

Gulker also lends her time to student mentorship, assisting with honors projects and serving as a faculty fellow for the Brock-Wilson Center for Women in Business. Gulker has also previously served as a learning community advisor and a faculty advisor for the Data Mine.

In efforts to enhance her teaching effectiveness, Gulker earned a Certificate of Foundations in College Teaching in 2019. She also received the Patsy J. Mellott Teaching Innovation Award from HHS in 2020.

For more information, please contact Gulker or Alexander Francis, associate dean for undergraduate education. 

• Jill Gulker, clinical assistant professor, Department of Psychological Sciences, jgulker@purdue.edu
• Alexander Francis, associate dean for undergraduate education, College of Health and Human Sciences, francisa@purdue.edu

2025 recipient: Elliot Friedman

2024 recipient: Susan Gordon 

2023 recipient: Scott Lawrance