Two GOHA Affiliates Honored for Advancing Global Engagement at NC State

On April 16, 2025, NC State Global hosted its annual Global Engagement Honors & Awards event to recognize recipients of the Outstanding Global Engagement Award, Jackson Rigney International Service Award and the Distinguished Global Alumni Award. Provost Arden welcomed guests and CHASS Dean, Dr. Deanna Dannels, gave an inspiring keynote address on the value of global learning for our students and researchers.
The Outstanding Global Engagement Award
The Outstanding Global Engagement Award recognizes unique accomplishments in globally engaged teaching, student support, research, extension, outreach and more. Each year we honor early career faculty, senior faculty, and professional staff.
2025 Finalists
- Soumya Rahima Benhabbour, College of Engineering
- Yang (Alice) Cheng, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Luke Gatiboni, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
- Angela Harris, College of Engineering
- Jason Hou, College of Engineering
- Iqbal Husain, College of Engineering
- R. Brian Langerhans, College of Sciences
- Yu-Fai Leung, College of Natural Resources
- Carly May, Division of Academic and Student Affairs
- Monique Pairis-Garcia, College of Veterinary Medicine
- Jamie Pearson, College of Education
- Robert Sandruck, Poole College of Management
- Yolanda Santiago, Campus Enterprises
- Orlin D. Velev, College of Engineering
2025 Outstanding Global Engagement Award Early Career Faculty Recipient
Dr. Angela Harris, Associate Professor in the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering
- Dr. Harris has made outstanding contributions to international research, global learning, and service to international professional organizations. Her research focuses on the environmental factors contributing to the transmission of infectious diseases, particularly in developing countries. Her work in locations such as Tanzania, Indonesia, Kenya, and Uganda, has advanced public health strategies, improved sanitation practices, and informed global policy on water, sanitation, hygiene, and antimicrobial resistance. Dr. Harris’s innovative approaches to environmental monitoring have the potential to significantly reduce the global burden of disease.

2025 Outstanding Global Engagement Award Senior Career Faculty Recipient
Dr. Iqbal Husain, ABB Enrique Santacana Distinguished Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
- Dr. Husain earned international recognition for his scholarship in Power Electronics, Renewable Energy Integration, and Electric Transportation. He directs the Future Renewable Electric Energy Delivery and Management (FREEDM) Center, originally established as an NSF Engineering Research Center. His research focuses on sustainable technologies to address decarbonization and global energy challenges, with innovations in wide bandgap power electronic converters, electric machines, motor drive systems, and renewable energy-based power distribution systems. Dr. Husain’s work has led to global industry applications and he has been instrumental in fostering new international research collaborations, universities in Australia and Romania. In terms of global learning, Dr. Husain was a pioneer in the field of workforce development in transportation electrification, and authored a groundbreaking textbook that has been translated and adopted by universities worldwide.

2025 Outstanding Global Engagement Staff Recipient
Robert Sandruck, Director of Global Programs in the Poole College of Management
- Rob’s visionary leadership and commitment to global learning have significantly expanded the portfolio of transformative student opportunities within Poole. Over the past year alone, his efforts supported nearly 500 students through Spring Break, Maymester, Summer, and Semester-long study abroad programs. His work in developing a comprehensive portfolio of international education options has broadened students’ academic experiences and prepared them for success in an interconnected world. Additionally, Rob played a key role in the growth of the International Business Dual Degree (IBDD) program, enhancing NC State’s global network, fostering international research collaborations, and ensuring an enriching experience for students – including organizing social events like cooking classes and potlucks.

Jackson Rigney International Service Award
The Jackson Rigney International Service Award recognizes the distinguished contributions of faculty or staff in promoting international understanding and service to the university and/or to the international community over the course of their career.
2025 Finalists
- Maria Avramova, College of Engineering
- Scott Belcher, College of Sciences
- Jason Bocarro, College of Natural Resources
- Veronica Cateté, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Michael Daniele, College of Engineering
- Lori Foster, College of Humanities and Social Sciences
- William A. Hoffman, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
- Koralalage S. U. Jayaratne, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
2025 Jackson Rigney International Service Award Recipient
Dr. Maria Avramova, Professor in the Department of Nuclear Engineering
- Dr. Avramova’s work spans four continents including Africa, Europe, North and South America. She is the founder and leader of two major international initiatives: the Consortium for Nuclear Power (CNP) and the COBRA-TF code (CTF) User’s Group. These organizations provide critical resources and expert consultancy to the global nuclear engineering community – and their members represent more than 60 industry partners, national laboratories and research institutions. Professor Avramova’s leadership in these groups has greatly enhanced NC State’s international collaborations and global visibility. Likewise, her work with the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has supported international cooperation for environmentally sound and economically sustainable energy. Beyond these organizations, Professor Avramova actively shares her expertise through global workshops and courses, as an expert reviewer for prominent journals and by mentoring graduate students from around the world. Her pioneering work in code development and reactor safety has truly impacted researchers and students across the globe.

Distinguished Global Alumni Award
The Distinguished Global Alumni Award honors former international students who have used their education to distinguish themselves through outstanding achievements
2025 Distinguished Global Alumni Award Recipient
Dr. Xu She, Senior Director of Engineering, Lunar Energy
- Dr. She earned his PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from NC State in 2013. He is a globally recognized pioneer and leader in the clean energy sector, with a track record of groundbreaking innovations that have made a lasting impact worldwide. Holding over 40 patent families and more than 100 global filings, many of his inventions have led to award-winning energy storage products for residential applications. Dr. She’s unwavering support for NC State has not only shaped his own career but also inspired those around him. His influence led both his wife and cousin to become proud NC State alumni and he is deeply committed to supporting other NC State students in their professional journeys. He has hired more than a dozen NC State students – offering them opportunities as interns and full-time employees – and continues to serve as a mentor for ECE students

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