This academic year, five students joined the inaugural 2025–26 cohort of Duke Arts Fellows—Duke undergraduates who are paired with a Durham Public School (DPS) educator and a Duke faculty mentor.
The Duke Arts Fellows program brings Duke students into middle and high school classrooms to develop arts education programming alongside DPS educators. Each Fellow is focusing on a specific discipline and will use their artistic expertise to create meaningful programming and to collaborate with DPS educators and students to create a capstone experience in the form of a production, performance, or gallery exhibition.
Meet the Fellows and discover what they’re most excited about this year below!
Duke Undergrad:
Majors: Earth and Climate Science,
Visual Art & Art History
Class of 2028
“One thing I’m looking forward to is working alongside my DPS teacher and interacting with their classroom, as well as developing my art skills under the mentorship of Professor Raquel.”
Durham Public School Educator:
Duke Faculty Mentor:
Duke Undergrad:
Majors: Public Policy and Dance
Minor: Religious Studies
Class of 2028
“I wanted to join this program because I want to further dance education in Durham Public Schools and ensure all who wish to experience dance’s rich benefits have the means to do so. Dance was an integral part of my high school experience, and the insights I have gained from this art form have translated far beyond the dance studio, making me a better student and individual! I am most excited to meet the students of Northern High School, collaborate on a piece that we are proud of, and share my love for dance with others!”
Durham Public School Educator:
Duke Faculty Mentor:
Duke Undergrad:
Majors: English, Cinematic Arts
Minor: Spanish
Class of 2028
“I’m really looking forward to connecting with the Durham community by sharing my love for creative writing, and I’m also looking forward to becoming a better writer myself under the mentorship of Professor Gritton.”
Durham Public School Educator:
Duke Faculty Mentor:
Duke Undergrad:
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Minor: Theater Studies
Class of 2027
“I am excited to be sharing my passion for music with Durham County public school students.”
Durham Public School Educator:
Duke Faculty Mentor:
Duke Undergrad:
Majors: Psychology, Theater Studies, Chemistry
Class of 2027
“I’ve always enjoyed assisting classes and working in the community, but I haven’t had the chance to do so after coming to Duke. Therefore, when I found out about this program, I was instantly intrigued and wanted to be a part of the breadth of resources and opportunities. I am looking forward to directly engaging with the students and, hopefully, even sparking a love for an art form that I am truly passionate about.”
Durham Public School Educator:
Duke Faculty Mentor:
When 9-year-old John Brown saw the North Carolina Symphony perform at his elementary school in Fayetteville, North Carolina, he was inspired to start playing the bass. Brown had seen the …
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