Promoting Research in Learning Innovations
The purpose of the UNK Online Innovation Research Fellow opportunity is to foster a culture of scholarship in online learning among faculty engaged in blended/online teaching, and innovative practices. The program brings together faculty from multiple disciplines to investigate best practices of online teaching and learning, provide research-based professional development to the UNK campus and beyond, and assist with an online teaching centered initiative sponsored by the Office of Graduate Studies and Academic Innovation.
In 2022-23, the fellows completed exemplary research, resulting in:
- 8International Conference Presentations
- 4UNK Campus Presentations
- 3Peer-Reviewed Journal Publications
Program Information
Application
All full-time faculty committed to advancing online education and technological innovation research. The fellowship awards selected UNK faculty professional development funds, and stipend. Four to six faculty will be selected in the spring to begin the following academic year.
Expectations and Deliverables
Fellows attend monthly meetings during the entire academic year of the fellowship. Each fellow will serve as the primary investigator of at least one research project, and co-investigator of other group projects with at least one submission to a refereed journal, and presentation.
Why Join?
The Online Innovation Research Faculty Fellows Program provides dedicated time, structure, and community for faculty who are passionate about advancing online education. Through collaborative research, interdisciplinary exchange, and meaningful professional development, fellows strengthen their research portfolios while contributing to innovation at UNK.
As a Fellow, you will:
- Advance research in your field by leading a study as Primary Investigator while collaborating as a Co-Investigator on interdisciplinary projects.
- Gain structured support and accountability to move ideas forward, from concept to publication and presentation.
- Expand your professional network by engaging with faculty across disciplines and building lasting research partnerships.
- Receive constructive feedback on works in progress within a supportive cohort environment.
Contribute to innovation in online education by helping develop an NU Advance course series focused on emerging topics in online learning. - Strengthen your CV by submitting research to peer-reviewed journals in your field or in online learning and education.
- Enhance your leadership profile on campus by presenting professional development that translates research findings into practical improvements for UNK faculty.
- Receive a stipend for your dedication to online learning and contributions to the field
2025-2026 Online Innovation Research Faculty Fellows
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"Joining the group was a great decision because it expanded my professional network across campus, fostered meaningful collaboration with colleagues in other departments, and supported my continued growth as a researcher."
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“I joined this group to support my professional goal of publishing. I see this professional development opportunity and research support cohort as a place where I will be able to pitch ideas, received constructive feedback and collaborate with people from across campus. Changing Patterns, Changes Possibilities.”
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“The Online Innovation & Research Faculty Fellows Program has developed structured time, support, and accountability to focus on developing my research agenda as an early-career faculty member. The opportunity to engage with faculty across disciplines, receive feedback on works in progress, and learn more about the university research process has been especially valuable. The program has helped create a clearer path moving my research ideas and goals forward and has helped build confidence in navigating the research and dissemination process.”
