Faculty & Staff Accomplishments
We are excited to share recent accomplishments from faculty and staff members at our campuses around the world.
Accomplishments are listed by date of achievement in reverse chronological order, with the most recent first.
Wei Zeng
College of Engineering and Computing SciencesWei Zeng, Ph.D., assistant professor of mechanical engineering, published a research article, 鈥�,鈥� in Engineering Advances on August 8, 2026. It developed a 3D mesoscale finite element framework for skeletal muscle modeling and quantified effects of fascicle architecture and ECM volume on muscle mechanical behavior.
Maria Di Natale
School of Architecture and DesignMaria Di Natale, B.Arch., visiting associate professor of architecture, was selected to participate in the program. The three-day symposium brought together educators from architecture schools nationwide to explore innovative approaches for preparing the next generation of architects. She presented a comprehensive lesson to her peers on August 8, 2026, simulating the first session of her professional practice course in a small-group setting.
Robert Alexander
College of Arts and SciencesRobert G. Alexander, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology and counseling, was quoted in a Good Housekeeping article, "," on August 7, 2026.
Niharika Nath
College of Arts and SciencesNiharika Nath, Ph.D., professor of biological and chemical sciences, published an academic article, "," in the Summer 2026 issue of . This article is a scholarly discourse on undergraduate research and promoting evidence-informed approaches to student learning and engagement.
Claude Gagna
College of Arts and SciencesClaude E. Gagna, Ph.D., professor of biological and chemical sciences, published an article, "," in Bio IT World on July 31, 2026. This article discusses the emerging field of structural genomics, emphasizing the biological importance of canonical and noncanonical DNA and RNA structures. It describes the need for integrated computational platforms that combine structural prediction, analysis, visualization, and artificial intelligence to better understand gene regulation, genomic instability, disease, and precision medicine.
Robert Alexander
College of Arts and SciencesRobert G. Alexander, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology and counseling, was quoted in a News USA article, "," on July 31, 2026.
Karrer Alghazali
College of Engineering & Computing Sciences-Department of Electrical and Computer EngineeringKarrer Alghazali, Ph.D., assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, College of Engineering and Computing Sciences, and Rabab Hamzah, Ph.D., adjunct assistant professor of biological and chemical sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, have coauthored a new comprehensive review advancing strategies for volumetric muscle loss (VML) regeneration, highlighting emerging approaches that combine biomaterials, 3D scaffolds, biofabrication, and therapeutic stimulation to address severe muscle injuries that cannot naturally regenerate. Their paper, "," was published on July 28, 2026, in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.
Evan Shieh
School of Architecture and DesignGiovanni Santamaria, Ph.D. professor and associate dean, and Evan Shieh, M.AUD., assistant professor of architecture, co-led聽蘑菇传媒's atelier at the international hosted by the Universit脿 Iuav di Venezia (IUAV) in Venice, Italy, on July 17, 2026. Their workshop, titled聽","聽investigated the 2026 theme of balance as a sacred condition dynamically mediating human-planetary scales, material-ephemeral forces, and socio-ecological responsibilities to produce collective meaning beyond conventionally sacred spaces.
Michael Izady
College of Arts and SciencesMichael Izady, Ph.D., teaching assistant professor, Department of Humanities, has written an updated and expanded fourth edition of his book, . It was published in July 2026 in Turkish by publisher Nûbihar. English and German publication is forthcoming. The book includes over 500 pages with 75 graphics and tables.
Dongsei Kim
School of Architecture and DesignDongsei Kim, M.Des., associate professor of architecture, participated in the at Gyeongsang National University (GNU) from July 14 鈥� 16, 2026. The workshop, titled "Namgang Futures: Architectural Explorations for a Sustainable Historic City," is the first jointly hosted international program since 蘑菇传媒 officially signed an memorandum of understanding this year with GNU.