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09/10/2026

The first Duke University class photos required chalk lines, five scissor lifts and a photographer 60 feet above East Campus. Today, a paint robot can map the numerals in about 20 minutes, and a drone captures the finished image.

After 20 years helping make the tradition happen, Bill Snead handed the drone controls to Multimedia Producer Ayanna Shepherd for this year’s Class of 2030 photo.

Learn more about the planning and people behind one of Duke’s signature first-year traditions.

How Duke’s Iconic Class Photo Became a 20-Year Tradition What started with chalk lines and careful calculations now relies on robots, drones and months of planning Image Drones now capture the image of Duke University's class photo each year. Photo by Duke University Communications Caption Close I...

09/09/2026

To understand how memory works, Nanthia Suthana and her Duke team are taking neuroscience beyond the lab and into real life.

Suthana, a Duke University Professor of Neurosurgery, Biomedical Engineering and Neurobiology, leads the Suthana Lab, where researchers use wearable technology to collect real-time data and better understand how the brain and body work together during everyday experiences.

"We want to understand memory in the real world, really during naturalistic behavior," Suthana said. "... Ultimately, the best part is when you see a patient that has transformed. Their life has completely changed, and really is the reason why we are doing what we are doing."

Go inside the Suthana Lab and meet the people behind this innovative research in the latest episode of A Duke Workday. Watch the video.

Duke Neurosurgery Duke Neurobiology Duke Health

Nanthia Suthana, Professor of Neurosurgery, Biomedical Engineering,...

09/08/2026

Vanessa Peoples was on her way to a treatment appointment at Duke Cancer Institute when she saw a poster for Duke Rides, a new indoor cycling event dedicated to funding innovative cancer research, clinical trials and patient care.

She quickly recruited colleague and spinning instructor Na-im Butler. Soon, coworkers from Duke’s Office of Audit, Risk & Compliance had formed the OARC Cure Crusaders.

For Peoples, who recently finished radiation treatment after being diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in February, the Oct. 3 ride is a chance to give back alongside the colleagues who supported her throughout treatment.

“It really felt good, one, to have them join me in this event, but also a way for us to give back,” she said.

Read more about Peoples and the OARC Cure Crusaders and let us know your team’s name in the comments!

Duke Health

Together They Ride, Together They Fight Against Cancer Vanessa Peoples’ breast cancer journey inspired her office to join Duke Rides, a new indoor cycling event benefitting Duke Cancer Institute Image Published September 8, 2026 Credits Jodie Valade Senior Writer, Working@Duke Tags HR Staff Facult...

09/07/2026

We hope you enjoy the Labor Day holiday and share in the sense of pride for what we have achieved and the aspirations we continue to pursue at this extraordinary institution. Thank you.

09/04/2026

After a few busy days with Karon Thornton and her colleagues at the Office of Counsel for Duke University and Duke Health, Working@Duke’s flat correspondent Devlin likely felt tired.

For roughly a week in mid-June, Thornton let Devlin tag along to a Duke University Health System executive leadership team meeting, showed him around her team’s downtown Durham workspace and included him in a team-building tour of West Campus led by her son, Clay, a recent Duke grad.

And when Devlin wasn’t at work, Thornton took Devlin to the Carolina Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup victory parade in Raleigh.
“Our office represents a lot of different folks, which makes our work fun and interesting,” said Thornton, Duke’s Interim Deputy Counsel for Health Affairs. “That’s how Devlin got to see a little bit of everything.”

Want Devlin to visit you? Complete the interest form: https://today.duke.edu/.../strike-pose-devlin-workingduke...

09/03/2026

Everyone has a go-to work snack. Maybe it’s something you grab between meetings, a healthy pick-me-up or a little something sweet for the afternoon slump.

Working@Duke wants to hear about yours. Tell us what you and your fellow Duke staff and faculty reach for, keep stocked or recommend to coworkers and why.

Your submission could be featured in a future Working@Duke story. Share your best work snack: https://duke.is/ShareYourNews

09/03/2026

Some of the best ideas at work start with a simple shift: listen closely, build on what others offer and keep moving forward.

That’s also the foundation of improv.

“Once you know that the people you’re working with are going to accept whatever happens and make each other look good,” you can dare to be creative, said Nan Mullenneaux, a Senior Program Coordinator with the Thompson Writing Program.

Colleagues from Duke University, Duke Health, Forever Duke and the Duke University School of Nursing, who perform and teach improv share four habits from the stage that can help teams become more creative, collaborative and nimble.

What improv habit will you use to help make more room for better ideas at work?

4 Improv Habits That Spark Better Ideas at Work Duke colleagues share how improv acting skills unlock creativity and teamwork Image Clockwise from top left, Nan Mulleneaux, Brandon Holmes and Dan Sipp lead improv exercises for Duke faculty and students. Photos courtesy of Nan Mulleneaux, Brandon Hol...

09/02/2026

Jessica Luginbuhl can’t stop thinking about some of the Duke Arts Presents performances she decided to see on a whim.

Now, the Lactation Consultant for Duke’s Durham Pediatrics is looking ahead to the 2026-27 season, with Sacred Spaces, Mo Amer, “Falling: a disabled love story,” and HopeBoykinDance among the performances she’s eager to see.

“That's what's so cool about being close to Duke – you have access to some pretty incredible performances,” Luginbuhl said. “I feel very lucky.”

This season’s Duke Arts Presents lineup brings together artists from around the world, with performances spanning comedy, music, dance and more.

And Duke staff and faculty receive 25% off tickets.

Explore the season and discover a performance that might surprise you and share your favorite Duke Arts Presents memory in the comments!

Staff and Faculty Save 25% on Duke Arts Presents Performances Discover an acclaimed artist you’ve never heard of and experience fresh ways of seeing the world Image Duke Arts Presents performances for the 2026-27 season include acclaimed artists and unique experiences. Photos courtesy of Duke Arts...

09/02/2026

Duke staff and faculty curious about the work of the Duke University Police Department can get an inside look through the Duke Citizens Police Academy, beginning Oct. 7.

The seven-week program includes interactive sessions on traffic safety, criminal investigations and how officers prepare to respond to an active threat situation. Participants will attend five Wednesday evening classes, a Saturday afternoon session and a midday graduation ceremony.

Seats are limited and the application deadline is Sept. 11. All applicants must also complete a background check. Learn more and apply: https://duke.is/CitizensPoliceAcademy

Experience the Work of Campus Safety Firsthand with Duke’s Citizens Police Academy Staff and faculty can register by Sept. 11 for an up-close view of how the Duke University Police Department operates Image Participants in Duke's Citizens Police Academy experience interactive classes, including on...

09/01/2026

September at Duke offers plenty of ways to get out, hear something new and connect with the community for free.

This month’s five picks include an outdoor orchestra concert, four Wednesday evening performances by Duke Arts spanning multiple musical genres, a daylong music open house with performances and interactive activities, a conversation focused on U.S. history and civic engagement with Ken Burns, and a discussion of American fatherhood with James B. Duke Professor of African American Studies Mark Anthony Neal.

Several of the events are part of Duke’s “We the People” series celebrating the nation’s 250th anniversary.

See all five picks, along with dates and details.

What will you pick to spend September at Duke?

https://today.duke.edu/2026/08/5-free-things-do-duke-september-2026

5 Free Things to Do at Duke in September 2026 Celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary with music, conversation and community Image Happening at Duke this month are, clockwise from top left, a concert at Baldwin Auditorium, a performance by award-winning musician Patty Griffin, a conversation betw...