Harvard Math Preceptor Kate Penner Named 2025 Dean’s Distinction Recipient

Kate Penner, Harvard math preceptor and Undergraduate Science Research Advisor, was named one of 11 individual recipients of the 2025 Dean’s Distinction. This honor recognizes a small number of exceptional staff members for their outstanding citizenship, collaboration, and contribution in support of the teaching and research mission of the FAS. According to her nomination, Penner exemplified all these qualities. Specifically, she took on five substantive roles with profound impacts on curricular, co-curricular, and residential aspects of undergraduate education.

1. In her role as Undergraduate Science Research Advisor, Penner connected students to research through over 200 one-on-one meetings and group events. She built a new database of opportunities across Harvard’s schools, hospitals, and research institutes, broadening access to students.

2. As a preceptor in the math department, she taught sections of introductory calculus, taking on the mantle of Course Head for Math MA, “Introduction to Functions and Calculus I.”

3. In the area of curricular innovation, Penner designed and taught in the summer Rising Scholars Program, a residential experience meant to prepare incoming students for success in calculus.

4. She also led a section of the new Math MA5, “An In-Depth Introduction to Functions and Calculus” course, a 5-day-a-week option for students requiring additional support.

5. And finally, as Interim Director of the Program for Research in Science and Engineering (PRISE)—the largest residential summer research program in the FAS—Penner coordinated hundreds of applications, worked with faculty across Harvard’s schools, led residential activities, and ensured the success of the flagship program.

The recognition came as a complete surprise to Penner at the end of what is a whirlwind year. She is grateful to her nominators—Associate Dean for Science Undergraduate Education Logan McCarty, and Senior Preceptor and Director of Introductory Mathematics Brendan Kelly—not only for their nominations, but their openness to collaboration and creativity. “Rather than feeling hemmed in by the specific position I hold, I was able to participate in cross-campus programs to improve the student experience,” Penner said. “I am so grateful to have had those opportunities. She also acknowledges the Harvard Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (URAF) and Office of Undergraduate Education (OUE), as well as the introductory math team, from TAs to preceptors.

“It is the challenge of the current moment to help more students access what we have to offer them,” Penner said. “They are kind, caring, big thinkers  with great aspirations. I feel lucky to be even a small part of their HArvard experience, and I learn from them every day.”