News and Information for Ohio State Faculty
FACULTY AFFAIRS
February 2025

Adam Leroy awarded Henry Draper Medal
Adam Leroy, professor of astronomy, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Henry Draper Medal. The oldest medal awarded by the National Academy of Sciences, the Henry Draper Medal celebrates those who have made “a recent, original investigation in astronomical physics, of sufficient importance and benefit to science to merit such recognition.” It is awarded every four years.

Four faculty members receive presidential honor
Four Ohio State faculty members have been named recipients of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. Professor Zak Kassas and Assistant Professor Aeriel Leonard from the College of Engineering and Professor Sylvester Black and Associate Professor Kymberly Gowdy from the College of Medicine received the award.
Telling Your Story workshop
All faculty preparing their dossier for promotion and tenure review are invited to register for the Telling Your Story workshop. In this session, we center the academic story within the core dossier and work with faculty to develop the narratives. Participants will leave this workshop with draft narrative statements and resources for continuing to develop these narratives. The workshop will take place Feb. 21 from 9 a.m. to noon in the Ohio Union Great Hall Meeting Rooms 1 and 2.

Faculty Affairs Leadership Podcast: Michele Hansen
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Michele Hansen, associate vice president for Institutional Research and Planning, and delve into the pivotal role of data analytics and evidence-based decision making in shaping the landscape of higher education leadership. Join us as we explore how universities and academic institutions are harnessing the power of data to drive informed choices and strategic initiatives.
2025 Federal Administration Transition
The Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge (ERIK) continues to work with the Office of Government Affairs and others to stay abreast of developments related to the federal administration transition. To help our research community track actions impacting federally-funded research, ERIK has developed a webpage with information on handling proposals and awards as well as other helpful resources.

Using the arts to support autistic and military communities across Ohio
Through the Shakespeare and Autism Project and his interactive show, "Scrap Heap," Ohio State Artist Laureate Kevin McClatchy empowers individuals to express themselves, build communication skills and connect with others, providing a powerful outlet for healing.
Opportunities
February Faculty Pathways: Effective Strategies for Inclusive Citation Practices
Explore strategies for ensuring diverse representation in academic and professional citations. Learn how to: recognize a wide range of authors and avoid bias in citing courses; use best practices for citing various voices and perspectives; and promote a more comprehensive and accurate academic environment. Utilize practical tools for improving citation practices and fostering inclusivity in research and writing. The session takes place on Feb. 26 from noon-1 p.m.
Limited Submission Opportunities
The Office of Foundation Relations manages the limited submission process for private foundation opportunities, which are listed on the Research Funding and Awards site.
Open and Upcoming Opportunities:
- David and Lucille Packard Foundation - 2025 Packard Fellowships for Science and Engineering
Internal due date: Feb. 10; Nomination due date: March 15; Proposal due date: April 20 - Pew Charitable Trusts – Pew Scholars Program in Biomedical Sciences
Anticipated posting date: March 14; Anticipated internal due date: April 15; Nominations to funder due date: May 15; Proposal due date: Sept. 3 - Public Interest Technology University Network – PIT-UN Challenge Grant
Anticipated posting date: March 18; Anticipated internal due date: April 7; Anticipated proposal due date: May (date TBD) - Dr. Ralph and Marian Falk Medical Research Trust Awards Programs – Catalyst Grants
Anticipated posting date: March 21; Anticipated internal due date: April 22; Anticipated proposal due date: June 18 - William T. Grant Foundation – Scholars Program
Anticipated posting date: March 25; Anticipated internal due date: April 28; Mentor and reference letter due date: June 11; Proposal due date: July 1
Call for Proposals: Academy of Teaching
Share your innovative teaching strategies and insights at Ohio State’s Annual Conference on Excellence in Teaching & Learning. This year’s theme is “Teaching Transformations.” Join us at The Blackwell Inn on May 5. The proposal deadline is Feb. 17.
Learn More and Submit a Proposal
Nominations sought for 2025-26 Ohio State Artist Laureate
The Office of Academic Affairs is seeking nominations for next year’s Ohio State Artist Laureate. The program is designed to help the university enhance impact through external engagement. The aim is to bring the arts to underserved communities across the state and to engage with those communities in shared experiences that will, ideally, enrich and inform audience and Laureate alike. Nominations are due March 3.
Accelerator proposals are now being accepted
The President's Research Excellence program provides seed support to catalyze and accelerate multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary or convergent research teams pursuing external funding. Administered by the Enterprise for Research, Innovation and Knowledge, the program awards up to $2.5 million per year through two tiers of grants.
Applications open for the annual OSEP awards
In collaboration with Ohio State Energy Partners (OSEP), the Office of Academic Affairs has opened a call for grant proposals that align with the university's sustainability goals; align with advancing access, engagement and student success; or promote research translation. Submissions are due March 17. Faculty, staff and students are eligible to apply. Awards range from $10,000 to $50,000.
Spark Grants for arts engagement
Funded by the Mellon Foundation, Spark Grants provide seed funding for community-engaged arts projects. The competition is open to faculty, students and staff members on any Ohio State campus for projects that center the arts and that are done in partnership with community organizations. Proposals involving communities served by our regional campuses are especially welcome and will receive priority consideration. Proposals are due March 17.
Call for proposals: Research and Implementation Grant Program
The Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning's Research and Implementation Grant Program supports faculty research on evidence-based teaching practices and innovations in Ohio State courses. Applications are due April 7.
Proposals sought for SASR Grants program
The Student Success Research Lab is requesting proposals for the 2025 Student Academic Success Research (SASR) Grants program. Grants will be between $5,000-$25,000 with typical project timelines of one to two years for research projects that focus on improving, expanding and/or revising student success programs and services. The submission deadline is March 14.
Outreach and Engagement Documenting Impact Grants
Applications are being accepted for the Outreach and Engagement Documenting Impact Grants. Grants support program evaluation and impact reports for community-engaged research or community-engaged projects, in collaboration with a community partner, that addresses a specific need or problem within the community. Applications are due Feb. 25.
New Foundations of Active Learning teaching endorsement
Enhance your teaching skills with evidence-based strategies to engage students and support learning. Open to all Ohio State educators, this teaching endorsement offers a customizable selection of in-person and online professional learning experiences. You can start your journey toward completing the endorsement today!
Faculty Pathways: Branding in Academia
In today’s dynamic academic landscape, establishing a strong and recognizable personal brand is essential for both professional success and institutional impact. This session aims to guide faculty members through the process of strategically crafting and showcasing their unique identities within the academic sphere. The event will take place March 19 from noon-1 p.m.
Faculty Affairs events calendar
Faculty Affairs has a wide range of engaging events throughout the year. Check out the events calendar for the latest. The calendar is updated on a regular basis.
In the News
- Twenty-two selected for 2025 GRO Academy cohort
- President’s Research Excellence Accelerator grants awarded
- Ohio State announces Agostini Prize
- Ohio State scientist unlocks natural food color alternatives to Red No. 3
- Black immigrants attract white residents to neighborhoods
- The staying power of bifocal contact lens benefits in young kids