Alexander Quarles Holladay Medal for Excellence<\/h2><\/a>\nThe Holladay Medal<\/a> is the highest university award in recognition of faculty excellence. It is awarded to members of the faculty who have made outstanding and sustained contributions to the university through their achievements in research, teaching, or extension and engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/Brian-Gilger-300x300.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBrian Gilger<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\nDr. Gilger is a professor of ophthalmology in the department of Clinical Sciences. Professor Gilger\u2019s career has been dedicated to uncovering the pathogenesis of equine eye diseases and translating this knowledge into improved diagnostic and treatment methods for veterinarians. He exemplifies the dual role of a clinical researcher, driving discovery both at the research bench and in the barn stall. With a career spanning more than 30 years, he has earned renown for his innovative research, clinical expertise, and impactful teaching methods, and has profoundly advanced the understanding and treatment of ocular diseases, particularly in horses. Dr. Gilger\u2019s exceptional contributions to both human and equine ophthalmology are matched only by his dedication as a mentor, colleague, and friend to the College of Veterinary Medicine community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/Jacob-Jones-300x300.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nJacob L. Jones<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nDr. Jacob L. Jones is the Kobe Steel Distinguished Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. A distinguished scientist and exceptional collaborator, Dr. Jones seamlessly integrates research excellence with a deep commitment to student education and success. His research focuses on the development and application of advanced neutron and x-ray scattering techniques to study the crystallography of complex, hierarchically structured materials, as well as the kinetics and mechanisms of material synthesis and phase evolution. Dr. Jones is a prominent figure in international and national science organizations, significantly enhancing NC State’s standing in materials science through his leadership, mentorship and scholarly contributions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/Xiangwu-Zhang-300x300.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nXiangwu Zhang<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nDr. Zhang is the Samuel S. Walker Distinguished Professor in the Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science and the associate dean for research in the Wilson College of Textiles. Dr. Zhang is a globally recognized leader in multifunctional fiber and textile materials, particularly for energy storage and batteries. While at NC State, Dr. Zhang has secured more than $8.5 million in research funding from diverse sources demonstrating his ability to achieve both theoretical breakthroughs that sustain governmental funding and practical solutions that meet industry needs. In his roles within the Wilson College of Textiles, Dr. Zhang has successfully increased graduate student enrollment, expanded the college\u2019s research capabilities, strengthened the research office staff, introduced proposal writing assistance, and launched a junior faculty mentoring program focused on research success.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/span><\/span>O. Max Gardner Award<\/h2><\/a>\nThe UNC System\u2019s O. Max Gardner Award<\/a> recognizes a member of the UNC System faculty who has made \u201cthe greatest contribution to the welfare of the human race.\u201d The award is the highest honor the UNC System confers on faculty. <\/p>\n\n\n\nCraig Yencho<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/Craig-Yencho-300x300.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDr. Yencho is the William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor in the Department of Horticultural Science and was the recipient of the 2024 O. Max Gardner Award. An internationally acclaimed plant breeder, he has studied the sweetpotato and improved its standing as a valuable crop that is resilient in adverse growing conditions. In 2005, Dr. Yencho introduced the Covington sweetpotato to the world \u2014 a breakthrough variety known for its high yield, flavor, nutritional value and appearance. The Covington sweetpotato now commands nearly 90 percent of North Carolina\u2019s crop production and 20 percent of sweetpotato crop acreage nationwide. Through hard work and leadership, he has curated and led an exceptional team of innovators at NC State. These scientists share a core value of confronting challenges to enhance society through crop improvement, economic prosperity and the fostering of healthy populations.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/span><\/span>UNC Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching<\/h2><\/a>\nThe UNC Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching<\/a> is the most prestigious teaching award given annually to one faculty member from each campus in the UNC System. The award was established in 1993 to recognize and reward full-time tenured faculty and to underscore the importance of teaching by encouraging, identifying, recognizing, rewarding, and supporting good teaching within the university system. <\/p>\n\n\n\nClyde Sorenson<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/Clyde-Sorenson-300x300.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDr. Sorenson is a professor in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology. His unwavering dedication to NC State, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the university\u2019s students is widely celebrated. Known for his infectious enthusiasm and hands-on approach to teaching, he exemplifies the qualities of a UNC Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching recipient. Throughout his tenure, he has developed and taught more than 10 undergraduate and graduate courses, some of which have been continuously offered since 2003. Throughout his career, Dr. Sorenson has been recognized for his excellence in both teaching and research. His leadership and dedication to his students, along with his substantial contributions to entomology and conservation, have made him a key figure at NC State and in the scientific community.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/span><\/span>American Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow<\/h2><\/a>\nThe American Association for the Advancement of Science<\/a> (AAAS) is an international organization seeking to \u201craise the bar of understanding for science worldwide.\u201d Election as a fellow is an honor awarded to accomplished scientists by their peers in recognition of extraordinary achievements and contributions in research, teaching, technology and public science.<\/p>\n\n\n\nJan Genzer<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/Jan-Genzer-150x150.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDr. Genzer is the S. Frank and Doris Culberson Distinguished Professor in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. He was elected to AAAS for the Genzer group\u2019s research on the behavior of polymers at interfaces and confined geometries, with particular emphasis on assembly, thin films, responsive and shape-memory materials, and materials combinatorial methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jim Pfaendtner<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/Jim-Pfaetdner-150x150.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDr. Pfaendtner is the Louis Martin-Vega Dean of the College of Engineering. He was elected to AAAS for his contributions in applications of computational molecular science to the study of interfacial phenomena in biomolecules and materials.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/span><\/span>American Council For Education Fellow<\/h2><\/a>\nThe American Council for Education (ACE) Fellows Program <\/a>offers a unique and transformative opportunity for aspiring leaders in higher education. ACE Fellows dive deep into a dynamic curriculum, engage in hands-on learning, and collaborate on impactful activities. <\/p>\n\n\n\nChris DePerno<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/Chris-DePerno-150x150.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDr. DePerno is a professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources and the coordinator of the Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology Program. Dr. DePerno spent the 2024-25 fall semester at the University of North Carolina Wilmington working with senior leaders on higher education issues, continuing to expand his understanding of college and university administration. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/span><\/span>Fulbright U.S. Scholars<\/h2><\/a>\nThe Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program<\/a> provides unique opportunities for faculty to teach, conduct research and carry out professional projects around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHudson Ashrafi<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/Hudson-Ashrafi-150x150.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDr. Ashrafi is an associate professor in the Department of Horticulture Science. He received the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award for his research on blueberry genetics, genome editing, and breeding. His work explores enhancing traits like parthenocarpy\u2014fruit development without pollination\u2014to improve yields and resilience, supporting sustainable blueberry production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sarah Bowen<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/Sarah-Bowen-150x150.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDr. Bowen <\/strong>is an associate dean for research and engagement and a professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. She is studying geographical indications, or G.I.s \u2014 place-based labels that designate traditional products from a community or region \u2014 in Spain and Colombia. The project will inform ongoing debates about whether GI policies can be reformed to benefit communities in the Global South.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDiane Chapman<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/Diane-Chapman-150x150.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDr. Chapman is the executive director and associate vice provost of faculty development in the Office for Faculty Excellence. She was awarded Fulbright\u2019s International Educators Administrators award where she went to France to learn about the French higher education and research systems with hopes of discovering synergies and potential partnerships. Only 14 university administrators from around the U.S. were selected to receive the award.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/span><\/span>Guggenheim Poet-In-Residence<\/h2><\/a>\nThe Poet-in-Residence at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum<\/a> is an annual position created in collaboration with the Academy of American Poets that specifically focuses on poetry in the context of the museum space. The Poet-in-Residence will work with the Guggenheim and the Academy to design and create a unified project that takes poetry beyond the page and enlivens the museum experience for visitors. <\/p>\n\n\n\nMeg Day<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/Meg-Day-150x150.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDr. Day is an assistant professor in the Department of English. Dr. Day’s residency, All Ears, had three key aims: to highlight Deaf poets as visual artists by welcoming them into the museum space in new ways; encourage the hearing-majority public to engage with American Sign Language and Deaf sonics through unexpected encounters; and to encourage people to reorient their understanding of language and fluency as visible, just as much as it is aural.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/span><\/span>Millennium Technology Prize<\/h2><\/a>\nThe \u20ac1 million Millennium Technology Prize<\/a> is the preeminent award focused on technological innovations for a better life. This includes work that improves human well-being, biodiversity and wider sustainability. <\/p>\n\n\n\nJayant Baliga<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/Jayant-Baliga-150x150.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDr. Baliga is a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He was awarded the 2024 Millennium Technology Prize for his work on the invention, development and commercialization of insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBT), which play a critical role in energy efficiency for technologies worldwide. The IGBT improves energy efficiency by more than 40 percent in an array of products, from cars and refrigerators to light bulbs, and is a critical component enabling modern compact cardiac defibrillators.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/span><\/span>National Academy of Inventors Fellow<\/h2><\/a>\nThe National Academy of Inventors (NAI) Fellows Program<\/a> was established to highlight academic inventors who have demonstrated a prolific spirit of innovation in creating or facilitating outstanding inventions that have made a tangible impact on quality of life, economic development and the welfare of society.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMartin Thuo<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/Martin-Thuo-150x150.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDr. Thuo is a professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. The NAI Fellows Selection Committee has chosen Dr. Thuo for his inventions that include heat-free solders, complex metal particles, solid lubricants, and e-waste recycling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Victor Veliadis<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/Victor-Veliadis-150x150.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDr. Veliadis is a professor and executive director of PowerAmerica in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The NAI Fellows Selection Committee has chosen Dr. Veliadis for commercialization of energy-efficient power Gallium nitride (GaN) and silicon carbide (SiC) technology, which brings economic growth through hi-tech manufacturing and jobs creation, environmental and health benefits through emission reductions, and national security benefits through energy sustainability contributions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/span><\/span>National Academy of Inventors Senior Member<\/h2><\/a>\nThe National Academy of Inventors (NAI) Senior Members<\/a> are active faculty, scientists, and administrators with success in patents, licensing, and commercialization and have produced technologies that have brought or aspire to bring, real impact on the welfare of society. <\/p>\n\n\n\nGe Yang<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/Ge-Yang-150x150.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDr. Yang is a professor in the Department of Nuclear Engineering and was elected as an NAI Senior Member for pioneering innovations in radiation detection and anti-corrosion coatings. Dr. Yang\u2019s research has led to numerous patent disclosures, more than 170 publications, and major funding. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/span><\/span>National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development Award (CAREER)<\/h2><\/a>\nThe Faculty Early Career Development Program<\/a> is the National Science Foundation\u2019s most prestigious award in support of early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\nJustin Bradley<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/Justin-Bradley-150x150.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDr. Bradley is an associate professor in the Department of Computer Science. Dr. Bradley\u2019s award, titled “Foundations for a Resource-Aware, Cyber-Physical Vehicle Autonomy,” seeks to develop strategies for dynamically adjusting computational and communication resources onboard drones, enabling them to improve system performance and do more with less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tamecia Jones<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/Tamecia-Jones-150x150.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDr. Jones is an assistant professor in the Department of STEM Education. Dr. Jones award will address the assessment gap that keeps many minoritized youth from becoming engineers. The study will provide information about how middle and high school students understand and identify engineering; show educators and researchers gaps between their interpretations and student interpretations of engineering; and help educators and researchers understand how to create a healthy culture of peer assessment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nathalie Lavoine<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/Nathalie-Lavoine-150x150.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDr. Lavoine is an assistant professor in the Department of Forest Biomaterials. The goal of Dr. Lavoine\u2019s CAREER program is to develop a scientific foundation and an interdisciplinary, inclusive education platform to harness the self-assembly of renewable nanoparticles on solid surfaces for the controlled design of advanced sustainable materials and bio-inspired colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Renran Tian<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/Renran-Tian-150x150.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDr. Tian is an assistant professor in the Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. Dr. Tian\u2019s research aims to make self-driving cars better at understanding what pedestrians are about to do. Right now, these cars struggle to predict how people will move, especially in busy city streets. This project will develop new computer programs that learn how drivers naturally interact with pedestrians by watching videos and analyzing driver’s thoughts. This will allow the cars to “think” more like human drivers, making them safer and smoother around people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Christina Zakas<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/Christina-Zakas-150x150.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDr. Zakas is an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences. Dr. Zakas\u2019 research investigates the genomic differences that shape developmental evolution by using closely related marine worm species that exhibit different development modes. The project combines comparative genomics, gene expression, and hybridization assays to uncover the relationship between evolutionary divergence and development. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yang Zhang<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/Yang-Zhang-150x150.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDr. Zhang is an assistant professor in the Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science. Dr. Zhang\u2019s project investigates the chemical mechanisms behind color variation in dye molecules of the same species using a high-resolution microscope. By understanding these mechanisms, the project aims to develop enhanced microscopic labels, improving diagnostic tools and advancing human health.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/span><\/span>Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers<\/strong><\/h2><\/a>\nThe Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) Award<\/a> is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers beginning their independent careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAmanda Hulse-Kemp<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/Amanda-Hulse-Kemp-150x150.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDr. Hulse-Kemp <\/strong>is a USDA Assistant Professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. Dr. Hulse-Kemp, a USDA-Agricultural Research Service computational biologist and adjunct faculty, who has led multiple national and international efforts that provide state-of-the-art genetic and phenotyping tools to a large range of crops and animals to facilitate breeding and selection for improved traits.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRub\u00e9n Rell\u00e1n \u00c1lvarez<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/Ruben-Rellan-Alvarez-150x150.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDr. Rell\u00e1n \u00c1lvarez is an associate professor in the Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry. Dr. Rellan Alvarez was nominated by the U.S. Department of Energy for work on using natural genetic and environmental variation of plant nutrient efficiency to identify genes that can then be used to develop more fertilizer-efficient crops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jie Yin<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/Jie-Yin-150x150.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n- Dr. Yin is an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Dr. Yin\u2019s PECASE award recognizes his innovative research, particularly in integrating kirigami design \u2014 which is based on the Japanese art of paper cutting \u2014 principles into engineering. Dr. Yin studies reconfigurable kirigami-based architected materials to achieve unprecedented properties and functionalities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/span><\/span>
Sloan Research Fellowship<\/h2><\/a>\nSloan Research Fellowships<\/a> support fundamental research conducted by early-career scientists. The two-year $75,000 fellowships are awarded annually to early-career researchers whose creativity, innovation, and research accomplishments make them stand out as the next generation of leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCatherine Davis<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/Catherine-Davis-150x150.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDr. Davis is an assistant professor in the Department of Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. Dr. Davis will use her fellowship in the area of Earth System Science to study how ocean oxygen and environments have changed across multiple time scales to better understand past and present oceans. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
NC State Honors Outstanding Faculty The Celebration of Faculty Excellence is held each spring to recognize outstanding faculty who have received prestigious state, national and international awards, accolades or other distinctions…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":139,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"source":"","ncst_custom_author":"","ncst_show_custom_author":false,"ncst_dynamicHeaderBlockName":"ncst\/split-header","ncst_dynamicHeaderData":"{\"backgroundColor\":\"red_400\",\"imageID\":30988,\"imageURL\":\"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/BK-2565.jpg\",\"pageIntro\":\"\",\"useCTA\":false,\"boxPosition\":\"left\",\"ctaNum\":\"one\",\"imageAlt\":\"The Memorial Belltower lit in red.\",\"focalPoint\":{\"x\":0.5,\"y\":0.5}}","ncst_content_audit_freq":"","ncst_content_audit_date":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-31294","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/31294","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/139"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31294"}],"version-history":[{"count":43,"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/31294\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32831,"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/31294\/revisions\/32831"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31294"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
The Holladay Medal<\/a> is the highest university award in recognition of faculty excellence. It is awarded to members of the faculty who have made outstanding and sustained contributions to the university through their achievements in research, teaching, or extension and engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Gilger is a professor of ophthalmology in the department of Clinical Sciences. Professor Gilger\u2019s career has been dedicated to uncovering the pathogenesis of equine eye diseases and translating this knowledge into improved diagnostic and treatment methods for veterinarians. He exemplifies the dual role of a clinical researcher, driving discovery both at the research bench and in the barn stall. With a career spanning more than 30 years, he has earned renown for his innovative research, clinical expertise, and impactful teaching methods, and has profoundly advanced the understanding and treatment of ocular diseases, particularly in horses. Dr. Gilger\u2019s exceptional contributions to both human and equine ophthalmology are matched only by his dedication as a mentor, colleague, and friend to the College of Veterinary Medicine community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Jacob L. Jones is the Kobe Steel Distinguished Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. A distinguished scientist and exceptional collaborator, Dr. Jones seamlessly integrates research excellence with a deep commitment to student education and success. His research focuses on the development and application of advanced neutron and x-ray scattering techniques to study the crystallography of complex, hierarchically structured materials, as well as the kinetics and mechanisms of material synthesis and phase evolution. Dr. Jones is a prominent figure in international and national science organizations, significantly enhancing NC State’s standing in materials science through his leadership, mentorship and scholarly contributions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Zhang is the Samuel S. Walker Distinguished Professor in the Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science and the associate dean for research in the Wilson College of Textiles. Dr. Zhang is a globally recognized leader in multifunctional fiber and textile materials, particularly for energy storage and batteries. While at NC State, Dr. Zhang has secured more than $8.5 million in research funding from diverse sources demonstrating his ability to achieve both theoretical breakthroughs that sustain governmental funding and practical solutions that meet industry needs. In his roles within the Wilson College of Textiles, Dr. Zhang has successfully increased graduate student enrollment, expanded the college\u2019s research capabilities, strengthened the research office staff, introduced proposal writing assistance, and launched a junior faculty mentoring program focused on research success.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n The UNC System\u2019s O. Max Gardner Award<\/a> recognizes a member of the UNC System faculty who has made \u201cthe greatest contribution to the welfare of the human race.\u201d The award is the highest honor the UNC System confers on faculty. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Yencho is the William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor in the Department of Horticultural Science and was the recipient of the 2024 O. Max Gardner Award. An internationally acclaimed plant breeder, he has studied the sweetpotato and improved its standing as a valuable crop that is resilient in adverse growing conditions. In 2005, Dr. Yencho introduced the Covington sweetpotato to the world \u2014 a breakthrough variety known for its high yield, flavor, nutritional value and appearance. The Covington sweetpotato now commands nearly 90 percent of North Carolina\u2019s crop production and 20 percent of sweetpotato crop acreage nationwide. Through hard work and leadership, he has curated and led an exceptional team of innovators at NC State. These scientists share a core value of confronting challenges to enhance society through crop improvement, economic prosperity and the fostering of healthy populations.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n The UNC Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching<\/a> is the most prestigious teaching award given annually to one faculty member from each campus in the UNC System. The award was established in 1993 to recognize and reward full-time tenured faculty and to underscore the importance of teaching by encouraging, identifying, recognizing, rewarding, and supporting good teaching within the university system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Sorenson is a professor in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology. His unwavering dedication to NC State, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the university\u2019s students is widely celebrated. Known for his infectious enthusiasm and hands-on approach to teaching, he exemplifies the qualities of a UNC Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching recipient. Throughout his tenure, he has developed and taught more than 10 undergraduate and graduate courses, some of which have been continuously offered since 2003. Throughout his career, Dr. Sorenson has been recognized for his excellence in both teaching and research. His leadership and dedication to his students, along with his substantial contributions to entomology and conservation, have made him a key figure at NC State and in the scientific community.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n The American Association for the Advancement of Science<\/a> (AAAS) is an international organization seeking to \u201craise the bar of understanding for science worldwide.\u201d Election as a fellow is an honor awarded to accomplished scientists by their peers in recognition of extraordinary achievements and contributions in research, teaching, technology and public science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Genzer is the S. Frank and Doris Culberson Distinguished Professor in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. He was elected to AAAS for the Genzer group\u2019s research on the behavior of polymers at interfaces and confined geometries, with particular emphasis on assembly, thin films, responsive and shape-memory materials, and materials combinatorial methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Pfaendtner is the Louis Martin-Vega Dean of the College of Engineering. He was elected to AAAS for his contributions in applications of computational molecular science to the study of interfacial phenomena in biomolecules and materials.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n The American Council for Education (ACE) Fellows Program <\/a>offers a unique and transformative opportunity for aspiring leaders in higher education. ACE Fellows dive deep into a dynamic curriculum, engage in hands-on learning, and collaborate on impactful activities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. DePerno is a professor in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources and the coordinator of the Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology Program. Dr. DePerno spent the 2024-25 fall semester at the University of North Carolina Wilmington working with senior leaders on higher education issues, continuing to expand his understanding of college and university administration. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program<\/a> provides unique opportunities for faculty to teach, conduct research and carry out professional projects around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Ashrafi is an associate professor in the Department of Horticulture Science. He received the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award for his research on blueberry genetics, genome editing, and breeding. His work explores enhancing traits like parthenocarpy\u2014fruit development without pollination\u2014to improve yields and resilience, supporting sustainable blueberry production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Bowen <\/strong>is an associate dean for research and engagement and a professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. She is studying geographical indications, or G.I.s \u2014 place-based labels that designate traditional products from a community or region \u2014 in Spain and Colombia. The project will inform ongoing debates about whether GI policies can be reformed to benefit communities in the Global South.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Chapman is the executive director and associate vice provost of faculty development in the Office for Faculty Excellence. She was awarded Fulbright\u2019s International Educators Administrators award where she went to France to learn about the French higher education and research systems with hopes of discovering synergies and potential partnerships. Only 14 university administrators from around the U.S. were selected to receive the award.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n The Poet-in-Residence at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum<\/a> is an annual position created in collaboration with the Academy of American Poets that specifically focuses on poetry in the context of the museum space. The Poet-in-Residence will work with the Guggenheim and the Academy to design and create a unified project that takes poetry beyond the page and enlivens the museum experience for visitors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Day is an assistant professor in the Department of English. Dr. Day’s residency, All Ears, had three key aims: to highlight Deaf poets as visual artists by welcoming them into the museum space in new ways; encourage the hearing-majority public to engage with American Sign Language and Deaf sonics through unexpected encounters; and to encourage people to reorient their understanding of language and fluency as visible, just as much as it is aural.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n The \u20ac1 million Millennium Technology Prize<\/a> is the preeminent award focused on technological innovations for a better life. This includes work that improves human well-being, biodiversity and wider sustainability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Baliga is a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He was awarded the 2024 Millennium Technology Prize for his work on the invention, development and commercialization of insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBT), which play a critical role in energy efficiency for technologies worldwide. The IGBT improves energy efficiency by more than 40 percent in an array of products, from cars and refrigerators to light bulbs, and is a critical component enabling modern compact cardiac defibrillators.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n The National Academy of Inventors (NAI) Fellows Program<\/a> was established to highlight academic inventors who have demonstrated a prolific spirit of innovation in creating or facilitating outstanding inventions that have made a tangible impact on quality of life, economic development and the welfare of society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Thuo is a professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. The NAI Fellows Selection Committee has chosen Dr. Thuo for his inventions that include heat-free solders, complex metal particles, solid lubricants, and e-waste recycling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Veliadis is a professor and executive director of PowerAmerica in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The NAI Fellows Selection Committee has chosen Dr. Veliadis for commercialization of energy-efficient power Gallium nitride (GaN) and silicon carbide (SiC) technology, which brings economic growth through hi-tech manufacturing and jobs creation, environmental and health benefits through emission reductions, and national security benefits through energy sustainability contributions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n The National Academy of Inventors (NAI) Senior Members<\/a> are active faculty, scientists, and administrators with success in patents, licensing, and commercialization and have produced technologies that have brought or aspire to bring, real impact on the welfare of society. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Yang is a professor in the Department of Nuclear Engineering and was elected as an NAI Senior Member for pioneering innovations in radiation detection and anti-corrosion coatings. Dr. Yang\u2019s research has led to numerous patent disclosures, more than 170 publications, and major funding. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n The Faculty Early Career Development Program<\/a> is the National Science Foundation\u2019s most prestigious award in support of early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Bradley is an associate professor in the Department of Computer Science. Dr. Bradley\u2019s award, titled “Foundations for a Resource-Aware, Cyber-Physical Vehicle Autonomy,” seeks to develop strategies for dynamically adjusting computational and communication resources onboard drones, enabling them to improve system performance and do more with less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Jones is an assistant professor in the Department of STEM Education. Dr. Jones award will address the assessment gap that keeps many minoritized youth from becoming engineers. The study will provide information about how middle and high school students understand and identify engineering; show educators and researchers gaps between their interpretations and student interpretations of engineering; and help educators and researchers understand how to create a healthy culture of peer assessment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Lavoine is an assistant professor in the Department of Forest Biomaterials. The goal of Dr. Lavoine\u2019s CAREER program is to develop a scientific foundation and an interdisciplinary, inclusive education platform to harness the self-assembly of renewable nanoparticles on solid surfaces for the controlled design of advanced sustainable materials and bio-inspired colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Tian is an assistant professor in the Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering. Dr. Tian\u2019s research aims to make self-driving cars better at understanding what pedestrians are about to do. Right now, these cars struggle to predict how people will move, especially in busy city streets. This project will develop new computer programs that learn how drivers naturally interact with pedestrians by watching videos and analyzing driver’s thoughts. This will allow the cars to “think” more like human drivers, making them safer and smoother around people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Zakas is an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences. Dr. Zakas\u2019 research investigates the genomic differences that shape developmental evolution by using closely related marine worm species that exhibit different development modes. The project combines comparative genomics, gene expression, and hybridization assays to uncover the relationship between evolutionary divergence and development. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Zhang is an assistant professor in the Department of Textile Engineering, Chemistry and Science. Dr. Zhang\u2019s project investigates the chemical mechanisms behind color variation in dye molecules of the same species using a high-resolution microscope. By understanding these mechanisms, the project aims to develop enhanced microscopic labels, improving diagnostic tools and advancing human health.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n The Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) Award<\/a> is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers beginning their independent careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Hulse-Kemp <\/strong>is a USDA Assistant Professor in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. Dr. Hulse-Kemp, a USDA-Agricultural Research Service computational biologist and adjunct faculty, who has led multiple national and international efforts that provide state-of-the-art genetic and phenotyping tools to a large range of crops and animals to facilitate breeding and selection for improved traits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Rell\u00e1n \u00c1lvarez is an associate professor in the Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry. Dr. Rellan Alvarez was nominated by the U.S. Department of Energy for work on using natural genetic and environmental variation of plant nutrient efficiency to identify genes that can then be used to develop more fertilizer-efficient crops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sloan Research Fellowships<\/a> support fundamental research conducted by early-career scientists. The two-year $75,000 fellowships are awarded annually to early-career researchers whose creativity, innovation, and research accomplishments make them stand out as the next generation of leaders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dr. Davis is an assistant professor in the Department of Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. Dr. Davis will use her fellowship in the area of Earth System Science to study how ocean oxygen and environments have changed across multiple time scales to better understand past and present oceans. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" NC State Honors Outstanding Faculty The Celebration of Faculty Excellence is held each spring to recognize outstanding faculty who have received prestigious state, national and international awards, accolades or other distinctions…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":139,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"source":"","ncst_custom_author":"","ncst_show_custom_author":false,"ncst_dynamicHeaderBlockName":"ncst\/split-header","ncst_dynamicHeaderData":"{\"backgroundColor\":\"red_400\",\"imageID\":30988,\"imageURL\":\"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/BK-2565.jpg\",\"pageIntro\":\"\",\"useCTA\":false,\"boxPosition\":\"left\",\"ctaNum\":\"one\",\"imageAlt\":\"The Memorial Belltower lit in red.\",\"focalPoint\":{\"x\":0.5,\"y\":0.5}}","ncst_content_audit_freq":"","ncst_content_audit_date":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-31294","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/31294","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/139"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31294"}],"version-history":[{"count":43,"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/31294\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":32831,"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/31294\/revisions\/32831"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/provost.ncsu.edu\/ofe\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31294"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}<\/figure>\n\n\n\nBrian Gilger<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nJacob L. Jones<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nXiangwu Zhang<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
O. Max Gardner Award<\/h2><\/a>
Craig Yencho<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nUNC Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching<\/h2><\/a>
Clyde Sorenson<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science Fellow<\/h2><\/a>
Jan Genzer<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nJim Pfaendtner<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAmerican Council For Education Fellow<\/h2><\/a>
Chris DePerno<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFulbright U.S. Scholars<\/h2><\/a>
Hudson Ashrafi<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSarah Bowen<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDiane Chapman<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nGuggenheim Poet-In-Residence<\/h2><\/a>
Meg Day<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMillennium Technology Prize<\/h2><\/a>
Jayant Baliga<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nNational Academy of Inventors Fellow<\/h2><\/a>
Martin Thuo<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nVictor Veliadis<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nNational Academy of Inventors Senior Member<\/h2><\/a>
Ge Yang<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nNational Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development Award (CAREER)<\/h2><\/a>
Justin Bradley<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTamecia Jones<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nNathalie Lavoine<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nRenran Tian<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nChristina Zakas<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nYang Zhang<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nPresidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers<\/strong><\/h2><\/a>
Amanda Hulse-Kemp<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nRub\u00e9n Rell\u00e1n \u00c1lvarez<\/a><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nJie Yin<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n
Sloan Research Fellowship<\/h2><\/a>
Catherine Davis<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n