By Blythe Steelman
Public Information Director
Watt Family Innovation Center
Clemson faculty members will now have the opportunity to explore the Watt Family Innovation Center’s unique capabilities in developing cross-disciplinary activities that support university-wide goals, thanks to the new Watt Faculty Fellows program launching this August.
Up to 20 Fellows will be accepted into the inaugural cohort. They will form into teams to collaborate throughout the academic year on projects that will enhance the Watt Center’s support for the University’s Clemson Forward strategic plan. Projects will focus on the general areas of:
- Cross-disciplinary, integrated teaching and research activities within the Watt Center, as well as throughout and beyond campus;
- Evidence-based, technology-enhanced learning that improves student learning and collaborations.
“We are looking forward to working with Clemson’s most innovative minds for cross-disciplinary collaborations,” said Barbara Speziale, associate director for academics at the Watt Center. “The Fellows will focus on developing tangible products that best utilize the Watt in conjunction with advancing Clemson goals.”
The Watt Center’s work with incoming Fellows will touch on several key components of the Clemson Forward plan, including research and engagement initiatives.
“The Watt Center Faculty Fellows Program will bring together interdisciplinary scholars at the intersection of technology, teaching and learning to answer a key question about the future of our education systems,” said Claire Dancz, Research Associate for Education Systems at the Watt Center. “What is the role of technology-enhanced learning in preparing lifelong learners capable of tackling 21st Century global challenges of unprecedented scope and scale?”
The program is open to all Clemson faculty members. Prior teaching experience in the Watt Center is preferred, but not required. Applications are due July 15 and Fellows will be named by July 30.
Watt Family Innovation Center
The Watt Family Innovation Center is Clemson’s most technology-enhanced academic building, featuring state-of-the-art information technology and special facilities. Established in 2016 with the support of more than $25 million in corporate donations, the Watt Center’s mission is to create an environment where collaboration among students, faculty, and leaders from industry and government agencies generates ideas and solves complex problems. The Watt Center is available for students and faculty in all disciplines as a flexible space for collaboration, innovation and project development.
