Phase 1 Faculty Proposals
The Provost's Office launched the Vision 2026 Faculty Innovators initiative to encourage new faculty-driven projects that advance the four pillars of the strategic plan: data, water, democracy and careers. The initiative helps faculty members drive from idea to fruition with staged check-ins that test and reward the projects across five stages. Rewards and project support escalate over the course of the phases.
Data
A Collaborative for Biologically-Inspired Engineering, Art, Materials & Design (BEAM&D)
Leveraging 3.7 billion years of evolution to meet global challenges. Margaret Saha, Chancellor Professor of Biology |
AI Literacy: Reading and Writing with Large Language ModelsPublic talks with humanists, workshops, and networking about predictive models derived from enormous data sets of user-generated content that are transforming reading, writing, and literacy. Elizabeth Losh, Duane A. and Virginia S. Dittman Professor of English & American Studies |
Concentration in Human-Centered ComputingA new concentration in human-centered computing will broaden the concept of data and computing and link W&M's strengths in humanities with computing. Yifan Sun, Assistant Professor of Computer Science |
Critical Digital Heritage LaboratoryThe Critical Digital Heritage Laboratory will engage faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students to integrate interdisciplinary data evidencing long-term dwelling of Indigenous peoples in eastern Canada. Michelle Lelievre, Associate Professor of American Studies & Anthropology |
Data-Driven Decision Intelligence for Social GoodThe initiative aims at advancing William & Mary's student and faculty ability to use the power of data and computational methods to better benefit society and nature. Haipeng Chen, Assistant Professor of Data Science |
Data-Intensive Biosciences (DIBS): Computation, Research, Internships & CurriculumInvest in faculty-student research, internships, and educational innovation in data-intensive biosciences to enhance careers and W&M's visibility as a hub for interdisciplinary science. Greg Conradi Smith, Professor of Applied Sciences |
The Integrative Conservation ClinicThe Institute for Integrative Conservation will lead an international consortium of institutions, agencies, and NGOs to implement an online portal where users find curated evidence about tools and techniques that can be implemented to address conservation challenges. John Swaddle, Faculty Director of the Institute for Integrative Conservation & Professor of Biology |
Interdisciplinary Minor in Data VisualizationData is the currency of the modern university. This interdisciplinary minor provides students practical skills to communicate complex information through a variety of visual means. Michael Gaynes, Lecturer of Art |
LandRise: An Innovative Geospatial Decision Support Tool for U.S. Land TrustsAn innovative geospatial decision-support tool designed to help U.S. land trust organizations expand private conservation lands to meet their conservation goals. Graham Henshaw, Executive Director of Entrepreneurship Center & Clinical Associate Professor; and Robert Rose, Executive Director Institute for Integrative Conservation |
Minor in Creative Problem-Solving (CPS)An interdisciplinary minor engaged in identifying important problems and opportunities, with a focus on ambiguity tolerance, adaptability, iterative learning, and flexible methods of discovery. Matthew Allar, Associate Professor of Theatre/Scenographer & James Olver, Associate Professor of Business |
Supporting Students Enrolled in Service-level Statistics CoursesProvide customized support to students enrolled in service-level statistics courses in order to advance the data initiative of Vision 2026. Harsimran Somal, Lecturer of Mathematics |
Transforming Youth Mental Health Through Evidence-Based AssessmentYouth mental health is in crisis. Yet we don't know how providers use assessment to deliver treatment. We propose a national survey to find out. Elizabeth Talbott, Professor and Associate Dean for Research & Faculty Development |
Water
Conservation Catalyst: Leadership Development Program for Conservation ProfessionalsThe Conservation Catalyst will strengthen and develop the leadership capacity of emerging conservation professionals and build a cohort of integrative conservation leaders in their regions. Robert Rose, Executive Director, Institute for Integrative Conservation |
Nepal Water Initiative: Conservation Strategies to Address Climate and Other Anthropogenic Threats to Water Resources in NepalA multidisciplinary effort across Arts & Sciences, the Global Research Institute, the Institute for Integrative Conservation, the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, and Nepalese academic institutions. Mary C. Fabrizio, Professor and Department Chair, Fisheries Science |
OCEANUSAn AR-immersive, electro-acoustic edutainment experience that celebrates the goals of the United Nations High Seas Treaty. Sophia Serghi, Professor of Theory & Composition, Music Department |
Democracy
Cultural Democracy IncubatorBrings collaborative cross-disciplinary artistic research into ongoing practice ,leading to public presentations and building an environment of curiosity, daring, creativity, and inclusion. Joan Gavaler, Professor of Dance & Director of Dance Production |
Democratizing Performance Creation Through TechnologyThis project will provide a toolkit for experimental collaboration, sharing, and feedback opportunities for students and audience immersion experiences. Joan Gavaler, Professor of Dance and Director of Dance Production |
The Lemon Project Genealogy Certificate ProgramOffer African American genealogy training courses as part of the university’s efforts toward reconciliation and healing. Jajuan Johnson, Postdoctoral Research Associate, The Lemon Project; & Sarah E. Thomas, Associate Director of The Lemon Project |
Revolutionary BridgesThe National Institute of American History & Democracy program will ask students, staff, faculty, and community members to examine Williamsburg's history of democracy. Julie Richter, Lecturer of History and Director of National Institute of American History & Democracy |
Careers
Integrative Conservation Certificate ProgramsThe Institute for Integrative Conservation will deliver an online certificate program that helps philanthropists, NGO board members, and C-suite executives from corporations become informed and engaged champions of conservation action. John Swaddle, Faculty Director of the Institute for Integrative Conservation & Professor of Biology |
Interdisciplinary William & Mary Archaeology ProgramAn interdisciplinary undergraduate program in archaeology would transcend disciplinary boundaries, expand W&M’s reach, educate for impact, and allow W&M to evolve to excel. Martin Gallivan, Professor & Department Chair, Archaeology |
Making Waves: The Business of Water and HospitalitySail into job-water synergy with a cruise ship escapade, blending hands-on global business insights, hospitality acumen, cultural engagement, and an unforgettable "study-away" experience. Phillip Wagner, Clinical Associate Professor of Business |
Mentoring for Careers in PhysicsWill empower women and gender minorities through tailored mentorship, bridging the gender gap and fostering an equitable future in STEM. Its scalable, successful model benefits students, universities, and organizations alike. Chris Monahan, Assistant Professor of Physics & Ran Yang, Lecturer of Physics |
New History of the Book: Library & Information Science PathwayCreates a collaborative track to prepare students interested in library and/or archival careers to gain admission to degree programs and careers in Library & Information Science. Suzanne C. Hagedorn, Associate Professor & Undergraduate Program Director, English |
Toward Careers in the Arts: Minor in Integrated, Applied ArtsBuilding on a new era of the Arts at William & Mary, this minor ‘Transcends Boundaries and Changes the World’ in the Vision 2026 area of Careers. Anne Rasmussen, Professor of Music/Ethnomusicology & Bickers Professor of Middle Eastern Studies |
