Preparing Future Faculty

First launched in 1993, the Preparing Future Faculty program at Duke provides a yearlong experience for PhD students and postdocs to prepare them for the multiple roles they may be asked to assume as future faculty members in a variety of academic institutions. The program provides a wider range of educational experiences than are generally available to students in their Duke departments.

PFF fellows learn about the broad range of faculty roles and responsibilities by 1) shadowing and working closely with a faculty mentor from one of the six partner institutions, and 2) going on half-day site visits to each of the six institutions for campus tours, panels with faculty, staff & students, and having candid conversations about the realities, challenges and rewards of faculty life in these settings.

Typically about 25 to 30 PFF fellows are selected annually, including up to five postdoctoral fellows. The program follows the academic calendar, and we expect those selected as fellows to participate fully during the entire academic year (late August to late April.)

Information Session

Each spring, typically in early May, The Graduate School holds an information session about the Preparing Future Faculty program led by current PFF fellows. Check the Graduate School Event Calendar for information about the next session.