The Developing Understanding and Engagement Together (DUET) Fellow Program is an exciting opportunity to bridge the gap between teaching and learning. OU students and faculty work together as pedagogical partners, where they share their different perspectives in order to explore, analyze, revise, affirm, or imagine ways of teaching and learning that will benefit the broader OU community and both partners.
Student Fellows benefit from developing relationships with Faculty Fellows, which improves their sense of belonging on campus and confidence interacting with faculty. Faculty Fellows benefit from a better understanding of student experiences and, for new faculty, greater confidence in their teaching (Cook-Sather, et al., 2019).
This program is inspired by the Students as Learners and Teachers (SaLT) Program at Bryn Mawr University. For more information, contact M. Geneva Murray at geneva.murray@ou.edu.
DUET Faculty Fellows will be paired with Student Fellows outside of their disciplinary areas. Each week, Student Fellows will attend a class offered by their Faculty Fellow partner and attend a one-hour weekly meeting with their Faculty Fellow, in addition to weekly one-hour meetings with other Student Fellows. In addition to the weekly meeting with their student partners, Faculty Fellows will attend biweekly small group meetings with other Faculty Fellows to discuss the changes they’d like to make to their teaching or courses and implementation strategies. These small group meetings may also be attended by Student Fellows upon request.
Fellows may discuss classroom observations, syllabi language, diversifying learning activities, clarity of assignment instructions, student and faculty experiences, and more.
Faculty are encouraged to apply to be a fellow in the program! Applications are announced in the Center for Faculty Excellence’s newsletter each semester.
We encourage you to apply with another faculty member within your program or department. We hope that having two faculty participants from the same area will provide participants with greater support as they consider their teaching practices within their specific discipline, while they also build connections across campus with other members of the cohort.
Beginning in Fall 2024, Faculty Fellows will be paid $500 in supplemental pay, not including fringe, for successful completion in this semester-long program.
Students are encouraged to apply to be a fellow in the program! We post openings for student fellows through the University of Oklahoma’s student job site. Currently, student fellows work between four and five hours per week and earn $12/hourly.
Anayat Yousuf, from the picturesque region of Kashmir in the Himalayas, is currently a student at the University of Oklahoma. He is a member of class of 2027 and is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology on a Pre-medicine track. Anayat is a Davis UWC Scholar and a proud alumnus of UWC Robert Bosch College Germany. Beyond his academic endeavors, he holds the position of President at M.Y. Educational Foundation, a non-profit organization based in Kashmir. This organization, inspired by his parents, aims to assist educationally disadvantaged students. In addition, Anayat serves as the General Secretary of “The United World” organization at OU, an initiative grounded in UWC values and mission. He is also an avid cricket player, a seasoned traveler having visited 11 different countries, and a lover of cooking, with a particular fondness for spicy recipes such as Biryani and kashmiri Wazwan.
As a Spring 2024 DUET Student Fellow, Anayat is excited about the opportunity to contribute to the educational community. He believes in the importance of building relationships between students and faculty. Anayat sees the DUET program as a platform to bring about change and innovation in education.
Arine Mkhitaryan is from Yerevan, Armenia. She is pursuing a bachelor's degree in journalism at the University of Oklahoma. She is one of the UWC Scholars, alumni of United World Colleges, who aspires to build a community of changemakers and peacebuilders. She loves traveling and making pottery in her free time. My biggest inspiration is my grandfather who used to be a stubborn journalist in Soviet Armenia. The rest of her family members have always been in teaching, including her parents who are professors in universities in Armenia. That is one of the reasons why education has always been vital in her life.
She is very honored to be a DUET Student Fellow, as this program gives her the opportunity to be a direct changemaker. Student Fellows symbolize the mutual understanding between the faculty and the students and the idea of working together towards the common goal. She is always very excited to learn more about her faculty fellows. She wants to explore, through her and her fellow's experiences, new strategies in education that will benefit current students and future generations. She believes that every perspective matters and by being a Student Fellow, she brings her perspective while also expanding her horizons by getting to know the perspective of the faculty and other students.
Ash Franklin (Class of 2027) is from Clemson, South Carolina. She is working towards a degree in Architecture and is passionate about innovative techniques and sustainable design. In Architecture, she appreciates the opportunities to engage with communities for real-world projects and the emphasis on creative solutions to design. The program supports thinking outside of the box which allows for inspiration in different ways. Ash has had the opportunity to work as a small group leader for Camp Crimson (a freshman program), which has shaped her leadership skills and engagement with others in the OU community. Camp Crimson allows her to share her love of OU with incoming freshman as well as help support their transition to OU.
As part of the DUET program, Ash is looking forward to bringing student voices to the table. She strives to help create engaging and better learning experiences for all students. She sees the DUET program as an opportunity to support dynamic learning environments that include student perspectives. In addition, engaging with other DUET Fellows and the Center for Faculty Excellence’s team will be invaluable as she continues her studies at OU and her future career as an Architect. This opportunity will allow her to further enhance her skills in communication, presentation, and collaboration.
Chloe, a member of the Class of 2025, is a Women's and Gender Studies major with a double minor in Spanish and Psychology. She is passionate about her studies, with an interest in pursuing a career that focuses on either social justice or education (or both). Chloe is always happy to learn about and hear different perspectives on topics that are both familiar and new to her. In addition to being a DUET Student Fellow, she is a Peer Educator on campus with the Office of Advocacy and Education, facilitating interactive workshops for OU students about consent, healthy relationships, and gender-based violence. Chloe also serves as an executive member of the Queer Student Association at OU. Outside of work and class, she loves to read, plays various video games, and enjoys watching movies and TV shows.
Participating as a DUET Student Fellow gives Chloe the opportunity to apply what she is studying to the classroom so that students and professors alike can have an improved experience and stronger connection. She has experience with various teaching styles thanks to the different subjects she studies. It is important to Chloe that students and faculty have the opportunity to learn from each other, given that both have expertise they can share and pass on. As a student, she loves discussion-based learning, where all students as well as faculty members have a chance to express ideas and perspectives that may be overlooked. Chloe is excited to work with other DUET Faculty and Student Fellows to learn more about the kinds of learning techniques that increase and improve engagement within the classroom. She also intends to apply what she learns as a Student Fellow to her other positions around campus so that she can further reach and impact the OU community.
Emily Flesher is an undergraduate student from Northwest Arkansas pursuing degrees in Art, Psychology, and Sociology with certifications in Data Analytics and Applied Statistics. In addition to being a DUET Student Fellow, she works as an undergraduate researcher in the PEANUTs Laboratory at Texas Tech University and an undergraduate researcher in the NSF REU program at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Her research explores the intersection of the environment and life outcomes, sexual/gender identity, child development, family structures, religion, mental health interventions, public policy, social media, technology, and knowledge translations. She is also a member of the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Research Associates Program at the University of Oklahoma’s Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City. As an applied researcher, Emily seeks to engage with issues facing communities directly, in order to facilitate social change and understanding. That work extends to her service as a Dodge Family Scholars Liaison and Withrow Leadership Scholars Community Chair. Her work with Dodge Family Scholars seeks to promote student success and mentorship within the Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences.
As a part of the DUET Fellowship program, Emily is excited to promote educational equity for students of all backgrounds at the University of Oklahoma. Her passion for educational equity began while working as a preschool teacher, where she learned the importance of effective curriculum design and instructional methods. Motivated by her experiences during the pandemic, she is passionate about supporting educators and students in overcoming learning gaps. Emily sees this fellowship as an opportunity to shape the future of University education and community-based educational endeavors.
Hawaou is pursuing a double major in Energy Management and Management Information Systems, with a passion for the energy industry and a curiosity for innovation and technology. She is also a Davis UWC Scholar, a prestigious program that supports students from diverse backgrounds and cultures who have demonstrated leadership potential. Hawaou spends her free time master her creativity like self-breading style, cooking new dishes, making henna and beading.
Joining the Developing Understanding and Engagement Together (DUET) Fellow program is a meaningful way for Hawaou to give back to her OU community. Engaging with faculty members and fellow students through this program can indeed enhance her communication and problem-solving skills, while also providing valuable networking opportunities and knowledge.
Katherine Burns is a sophomore from Dallas, Texas majoring in Math Education and Pre-Physical Therapy with a minor in Health and Exercise Science (expected graduation date May 2025). She is currently on the OU Elite Dance Team and enjoys spending time performing and volunteering with her team. She also enjoys reading and all things math!
She is very excited to be able to work with faculty. She looks forward to sharing student perspectives with her faculty partner as they explore how those perspectives can positively inform their teaching practices. As an education major, she is constantly learning different teaching practices that promote an effective learning experience. She feels that it is important to create a learning environment that fosters student engagement and motivation. She is excited to be able to collaborate with faculty to brainstorm and present unique practices for their classrooms.
"Inclusive teaching to me is a teaching approach that focuses on the needs and success of all students, regardless of differing backgrounds and abilities. When I've been in classrooms that encompass inclusive teaching, I felt as if instructors were dedicated to my success and aided to provide me with resources that may have been unavailable to me otherwise. I felt that I had equal opportunity to succeed among my peers, and that my peers were given the same supports as I was."
Layla Williams hails from the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. She received her B.A. from East Tennessee State University and her M.A. from OU. She is currently a PhD student and teaching assistant in the Philosophy Department, with a primary research interest in social epistemology. Layla is also an Alumni Fellow. In addition to academic pursuits, she is the VCPRO of the OU Integrity Council and coaches the OU Ethics Bowl team. The Integrity Council endeavors to protect the integrity and value of the OU degree. Ethics Bowl is a competitive speech event which centers philosophical analysis and ethical reasoning. As a Court Appointed Special Advocate, she advocates for children who are in state care. Layla loves sports and is a passionate Newcastle United supporter.
Layla is exited to participate in the DUET Fellows program. As a TA, she actively seeks out opportunities to improve as an instructor and engage meaningfully with students. As a student, she’s experienced different environments in the classroom and wants to support all faculty in developing an inclusive, supportive environment for their students. She recognizes the importance of collaboration between students and faculty for creating healthy and rigorous academic communities. She firmly believes that a supportive, welcoming academic environment goes a long way toward fostering success in students and faculty. She is looking forward to learning from her DUET Student Fellow peers and Faculty Fellows. She hopes her experiences and background can help bridge the gap between students and faculty (graduate TAs often get stranded in that gap!)
Meshak Mbusa, a member of the Class of 2027, is currently dedicated to obtaining his bachelor's degree in Computer Science. Originally from The Democratic Republic of Congo, Meshak's journey led him from his homeland to Uganda, then on to Boston, Massachusetts, and finally settling in Houston, Texas. Beyond his academic pursuits, Meshak finds joy in cooking, savoring delicious meals, working out, cherishing moments with friends, and listening to music. His inspiration to go out and succeed stems from his loved ones who are his backbone.
Meshak took the initiative to join the DUET Fellow pedagogical program recognizing its invaluable role in honing his communication, leadership, and learning abilities. Engaging with faculty members and fellow students would offer Meshak the opportunity to observe how other brilliant minds on campus absorb, process, and articulate their ideas within a learning environment. Additionally, he eagerly anticipates developing invaluable networking skills through his participation in the DUET Fellow program.
Mounir Zahidi is an international student from Marrakech, Morocco. He belongs to the Class of 2025, majoring in Computer Science. He is a secretary in the Computer Science Student Board, a member of the OU Swim and Dive Club, and honored to be a DUET (Developing Understanding and Engagement Together) Student Fellow.
Mounir is deeply passionate about building effective relations between faculty and students in an educational setting, and he is super excited to work with faculty fellows in improving those relations in the class environment. As a student, Mounir believes there is a lot of potential cooperation that we should take advantage of to improve our education system. He is very honored to be able to contribute along with the other DUET Students Fellows to this exciting program and looking forward to being a direct changemaker in our community.
Nadia Segunda, from Angola and a member of the class of 2026 at the University of Oklahoma, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a minor in Enterprise Studies. Her academic journey is enriched by her global perspective, shaped by her experience at the United World College of Southern Africa. Nadia actively participates in student organizations on campus, demonstrating her commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community.
As a DUET Student Fellow, Nadia is driven by her passion for enhancing teaching and learning practices at the University of Oklahoma. She aims to help bridge the gap between students and faculty by promoting a sense of belonging within the university community. Through this role, Nadia hopes to contribute to creating a more inclusive and effective learning environment, where all students can thrive academically and personally.
Oumarou Gouba is from Burkina Faso, and has a unique educational journey. Having spent two transformative years at a boarding school in Burkina Faso for high school, Oumarou moved to Canada to attend the United World Colleges at Pearson College in Victoria, BC. There, he successfully graduated with a Bilingual International Baccalaureate Diploma. Continuing his pursuit of knowledge, Oumarou crossed borders again, this time to the United States, where he is currently a part of the University of Oklahoma's class of 2026 where he is majoring in Information Science and Technology. Oumarou likes to cook and has a passion for entrepreneurship.
Oumarou feels privileged to be part of the DUET Students fellowship. Through this opportunity, Oumarou is committed to helping his fellow professor create the safest possible learning environment for students while ensuring their academic success.
Reem Kotaiche (Class of 2026), is currently obtaining a Bachelor's in Management Information Systems alongside an accelerate Master's in Management Information Technology. Originally from Lebanon, Reem pursued her studies outside of her home country by attending the United World College in Armenia. Reem works as an Information Technology Specialist, and serves as an executive and active member of multiple business organizations on campus such as Delta Sigma Pi and the Multicultural Business Program. Reem loves working with ceramics, reading, travelling, and enjoys being outdoors the most.
Reem's enthusiasm for learning about the diverse perspectives in education is what inspired her to join the DUET Fellowship program. Having experienced different curriculums throughout her education, Reem is excited to delve deeper into pedagogical methods at OU. She is eager to collaborate with students and fellow faculty to help enrich the classroom environment at OU.
Sydney Sorensen is a Chemical Bioscience major at the University of Oklahoma. She is graduating in 2025 with the hopes of attending dental school after she graduates. She is an active member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority and the Pre-Dental Club on OU's campus. Sydney is from San Antonio, Texas and to find balance outside the books, she enjoys lifting weights at the gym, spending quality time with her friends, listening to music, or cooking. Among her creations, brown butter chocolate chip cookies hold a special place as her favorite.
Sydney is eager to contribute to the educational journey of her fellow peers while gaining valuable experience and insight from working with an experienced professor. Sydney hopes to bridge the gap between students and professors in the classroom by allowing her voice as a student to positively impact faculty on campus.
Wesley is a part of the class of 2025, pursuing a double major in social work and women’s & gender studies. Originally from McComb, Mississippi, Wesley comes from a family of nine. When Wesley is not in the classroom, he enjoys spending time with his orange tabby cat named Lewie, reading, painting, traveling, and trying new things.
Wesley is passionate about learning and inspiring self-motivation in others. Since many students experience burnout and a loss of interest or motivation upon reaching college, he believes it is vital for professors to be intentional with engagement and encouragement. Therefore, he hopes to work with faculty in order to develop techniques to create a more supportive learning environment for students. Additionally, he tries to implement the National Association of Social Workers’ code of ethics into everything he does, specifically the value of dignity and self-worth. This is why Wesley is especially excited to help foster trust and mutual respect for students and faculty in the classroom.
