The Judith Deckers Prize Announces 2025 Finalists
Duke University’s Judith Deckers Prize honors excellence in undergraduate teaching, recognizing faculty whose innovative practices and deep commitment have shaped the student experience both inside and outside the classroom. The award celebrates individual achievements and affirms Duke's commitment to fostering a culture of teaching excellence at the undergraduate level.
This spring, the Deckers Prize received nominations for 225 faculty members submitted by more than 680 Duke staff, students, alums, and faculty. From this remarkable pool, reviewers selected 12 finalists, listed below along with excerpts from their nominations. A faculty committee representing schools across the university will now review detailed materials from each candidate.
In early 2026, Provost Alec D. Gallimore will announce the recipients of the Deckers Prize. Three exceptional faculty members will receive this prestigious honor, each receiving $35,000 in recognition of their outstanding contributions to undergraduate teaching.
2025 Judith Deckers Finalists
Eileen Chow, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of the Practice of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
“She's the support system every student dreams of - a professor who revels in creativity, exploration, and a deeper dive into passions.”
Meagan Dunphy-Daly, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of the Practice in Experiential Education in the Division of Marine Science and Conservation, Nicholas School for the Environment
“She encouraged me to pursue a trajectory that felt purposeful and uniquely mine. She doesn’t just open doors; she walks students through them and helps us envision what’s possible on the other side.”
Brandon Fain, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of the Practice of Computer Science, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
“Professor Fain has shown his dedication to cultivating successful learning outcomes for his students, advocating for their understanding without pushing for perfection.”
Jenifer Hamil-Luker, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of the Practice of Sociology, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
“Her dedication and love for teaching shine through every day. She fuses authenticity and vulnerability into her teaching in a way that nurtures such personal spaces for learning and reflection.”
Lisa Huettel, Ph.D.
Edmund T. Pratt, Jr. School Professor of the Practice of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering
“Prof. Huettel, with her exemplary teaching talents, her inviting personality, and her clarity of mind, creates the perfect foil that I wish all students had the privilege of learning from.”
Thomas Nechyba, Ph.D.
Professor of Economics, Trinity College of Arts and Sciences
“Nechyba functions as the popular face of economics at Duke, and by extension, promotes his teaching practices of approachability, enthusiasm, humor, and curiosity throughout the economics department, the undergraduate population, and the university as a whole.”
Thomas Newpher, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of the Practice of Psychology and Neuroscience, Trinity College of Arts and Sciences
“He is a generous and gracious colleague who is always ready to consult and share his experience and expertise whenever it may be requested. The humility and kindness with which he conveys his expertise is a superpower that opens doors and amplifies his impact.”
Mark Palmeri, Ph.D.
Professor of the Practice in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering
“In every way, Dr. Palmeri embodies the spirit of teaching that inspires, uplifts, and transforms. His devotion to his students and their journeys leaves a lasting impression, not only on those he teaches, but on Duke itself.”
Deondra Rose, Ph.D.
Professor in the Sanford School of Public Policy, Sanford School of Public Policy
“Beyond educating, Rose inspires and encourages students to pursue their boldest aspirations for positive change in the world and themselves.”
Sarah Schott, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of the Practice of Mathematics, Trinity School of Arts and Sciences
“She designed her class not just to teach concepts, but to build confidence. With her, learning math wasn’t about proving what you already knew; it was about showing up, trying, and being open to growth.”
Martin Smith, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of the Practice of Education, Trinity School of Arts and Sciences
“Martin brings his full self into every space he enters, and with him comes a deep well of knowledge, generosity, and a genuine willingness to share. His engagement with the broader Durham and Duke communities blurs the line between classroom and world, modeling what it means to be an educator beyond institutional walls.”
Steve Wallace, Ph.D.
Senior Lecturing Fellow in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering
“He has made it his life’s work to challenge, mentor, and inspire the next generation of engineers; holding them to high standards because he knows what they are capable of achieving if they put in their best efforts.”