Leeds Faculty Scholars Drive Innovation and Impact听
The Leeds School of Business continues to strengthen its position as a hub for academic excellence, bolstered by generous donor support.
The Faculty Scholars initiative at Leeds provides discretionary funding to pre-tenured and non-tenured faculty, supporting their pursuit of ambitious research projects and innovative teaching methods. In the 2023-24 academic year, donor support enabled 17 faculty members to make notable contributions in their fields, enhancing Leeds' reputation for excellence in business education and research.听
Fueling Research Excellence
The Faculty Scholars initiative provides researchers with the resources to tackle complex business challenges. Academic research often faces challenges of limited funding and up-front investments of time and effort to start a project. This financial support helps faculty access crucial data, hire research assistants and present findings at international conferences. Assistant Professor Bryce Schonberger, the John E. Nesland Faculty Scholar whose research delves into emerging trends in financial markets, exemplifies this impact.听
鈥淭he funding provided for faculty at Leeds is immensely helpful, both in funding the data and resources for projects and for permitting faculty to present their work at conferences and other universities,鈥
said Schonberger.
Innovating in the Classroom
Teaching Assistant Professor Jeremiah Contreras, the Kala and Shiv Khatri Endowed Faculty Scholar, demonstrates the initiative's transformative impact on teaching by using these funds to integrate cutting-edge technology into business education. His efforts focus on incorporating generative AI and data analysis projects into both undergraduate and graduate courses, providing students with practical skills while also exploring the ethical implications of AI use. This comprehensive approach equips students for the rapidly evolving, AI-driven landscape of modern business.听
鈥淭he positive feedback from students who have expressed how these AI initiatives have enhanced their learning experience is a testament to the impact of your support,鈥
said Contreras.
Exploring New Frontiers听
Teaching Professor Tracy Jennings, the RK Landmark Faculty Scholar, is leading the charge in incorporating virtual reality into business education. Her work investigates how VR technology can enhance learning experiences, particularly in areas like public speaking and interview skills. Supported by the Faculty Scholars initiative, Jennings is exploring cutting-edge VR applications to establish Leeds as a pioneer in educational technology innovation. This forward-thinking approach is preparing students for a future where immersive technologies play a crucial role in business practices.听
鈥淚 truly believe that VR will be important for education, especially when it combines with AI to create applications that provide more and more difficult practice as your skills increase,鈥
explained Jennings.
Building a Foundation for Future Success听
These Faculty Scholars, combined with Leeds' seven professorships and six endowed chairs, are propelling the school to new heights of academic achievement. Through groundbreaking research and classroom innovation, they are shaping business practices and preparing the next generation of leaders. As Leeds continues to push boundaries in business education, Faculty Scholars remain crucial drivers of success, ensuring the school's position at the forefront of business education and research for years to come.听听