Empowering the Next Generation of Engineering Educators

April 15, 2026

Introducing the Olin College Teaching Fellows Fund

At Olin College, transforming engineering education means continually rethinking both how students learn and how educators are prepared to teach. A new initiative, supported by a dedicated philanthropic fund, builds on this commitment by investing in the people who will directly shape the next generation of engineers. 

The Olin College Teaching Fellows Fund will support the creation of a teaching practicum program designed specifically for aspiring undergraduate educators. Structured as a three-year pilot, the initiative begins with a dedicated year of program development, followed by the recruitment and launch of a small cohort of Teaching Fellows. 

“The Teaching Fellows Fund amplifies what makes Olin distinctive through the power of philanthropy,” said Olin President May Lee. “Inspired in part by conversations with our alumni, this prototype program allows us to experiment and explore new ways of preparing educators within Olin’s uniquely innovative environment—extending the reach of our mission-driven approach to engineering education far beyond our campus.” 

Over two years, Fellows will receive mentorship and direct teaching experience, and immerse themselves in Olin’s distinctive, student-centered approach to engineering education—one that emphasizes hands-on collaboration, real-world problem solving and interdisciplinary thinking. 

In its initial phase, the program will explore interest from two key groups: industry professionals seeking to transition into teaching and recent PhD graduates pursuing teaching-focused faculty roles. By engaging individuals at these pivotal career moments, Olin is expanding the pathways into engineering education—welcoming those who are eager to inspire the next generation of engineers in new and meaningful ways. 

“The future of engineering education depends on educators who are thoughtful, creative and deeply committed to their students,” said Sam Michalka, interim dean of academic programs and associate professor of computational neuroscience and engineering. “Olin’s close-knit, highly collaborative community of faculty, staff and students provides a uniquely powerful setting to cultivate those kinds of leaders.” 

The Teaching Fellows Fund reflects a broader vision: that meaningful change in engineering education requires not only innovative curricula, but also educators who are equipped to deliver it. By preparing Fellows to carry Olin-inspired approaches into classrooms around the world, the program extends the reach of Olin’s mission far beyond campus.