Kate McDaniel, PhD, MSW, is one of five Duke faculty members named Provost Faculty Fellows for the 2026-27 academic year.
McDaniel is an associate professor and director of educational initiatives in the Department of Neurosurgery, and director of the Duke School of Medicine’s Academy of Health Professions Education and Academic Development (AHEAD).
"I'm excited to spend time this year learning from members of the Provost's leadership team and exploring ways to better support faculty as they navigate the introduction of AI in the classroom and across the learning environment," McDaniel said.
The Provost's Faculty Fellowship aims to introduce Duke faculty members to key leadership roles and responsibilities and areas of strategic focus of the university. Fellows were nominated by their deans and submitted proposals for projects connected to their interests.
Through her project, McDaniel aims to develop a foundational AI curriculum for health professions educators, implement the curriculum through AHEAD, and evaluate the feasibility and impact of the curriculum.
McDaniel’s research focuses on medical education, learner assessment and evaluation, faculty development, coaching and mentorship, and advancing culture, wellness, and inclusion. She was appointed the director of AHEAD in January 2026.
McDaniel has published widely in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international conferences. Her accolades include being named a Fellow and Distinguished Member of Duke AHEAD, as well as receiving the Resident Research Advocate Award from the Department of Neurosurgery.
“I’m very pleased that these talented faculty members have embraced this opportunity for academic leadership development,” Provost Alec D. Gallimore said. “I was impressed by their compelling project proposals, and I look forward to working with them this year to see the outcomes.”
In addition to working on their projects in the coming year, the fellows will have the opportunity to meet and shadow key members of the Provost’s Office leadership team, attend Provost’s Cabinet meetings, meet other campus leaders, and take part in leadership training.
The five faculty members were selected from across the university and will undertake projects that explore a wide range of issues in higher education.
Read more about the other fellows here.