2025 University of Memphis Research Celebration

Celebrating research achievements, first-time PIs and new PI millionaires at the University of Memphis

Each year, the UofM gathers to celebrate and highlight faculty research achievements from FY24. Some of those recognized for their achievements at the celebration on March 3 at the FedEx Institute of Technolgy were:

Class of 2025 PI Millionaires

In FY24, these University of Memphis researchers achieved $1M or more in funding for their projects, elevating them to the esteemed category of “PI millionaires.” These individuals add to a distinguished group of 147 colleagues at UofM who have attained this prestigious designation. This milestone not only reflects the university’s commitment to advancing groundbreaking research but also underscores the caliber of talent and innovation present within our academic community.

Nathan DeYonker
Susan Elswick
Xiaolei Huang
M. David Rudd
Cody Behles

First-time Principal Investigators

Leading a research project for the first time is a significant milestone. While research is a collaborative effort, Principal Investigators play a crucial role in shaping and guiding their projects. This section highlights first-time Principal Investigators who were awarded external funding in FY24, recognizing their dedication and contributions to advancing research.

Rodrigo Villalpando Vizcaino , Center for Applied Earth Science and Engineering Research
Jonathan Bennett, Center for Community Research and Evaluation
Edmond McDavis III, College of Professional and Liberal Studies
Marika Snider, Department of Architecture
Kelsey Harrison, Department of Art and Design
Soo-Hyun Jeong, Department of Biological Sciences
Daniel Nascimento, Department of Chemistry
Stephen Diko, Department of City and Regional Planning
Brandon Booth, Department of Computer Science
Suzanne Lease, Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology and Research
Rachel Lombardi Department of Earth Sciences
Diana Delgado, Department of Instruction & Curriculum Leadership
Edith Gnanadass, Department of Leadership Genia Bettencourt
Gregory Boller, Department of Marketing & Supply Chain Management
Yong Hoon Lee, Department of Mechanical Engineering Amir Hadadzadeh
Benjamin Keller, Department of Physics and Materials Science
Dursun Peksen, Department of Political Science
Rory Pfund, Department of Psychology
Emily Srisarajivakul, Department of Psychology
Joah Williams, Department of Psychology
Hai Trieu, FedEx Institute of Technology
Tenderano Muzorewa, FedEx Institute of Technology
Gloria Carr, Loewenberg College of Nursing
Okenwa Okoli, Herff College of Engineering
Sarah Leat, School of Social Work
Wei Lyu, School of Public Health

Special Recognitions

The University of Memphis is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of its distinguished faculty, whose groundbreaking research and dedication to innovation are shaping their fields and inspiring future generations. These recognitions highlight the exceptional work of faculty members who have recently received prestigious awards from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for their contributions to science, engineering, and technology. Through their efforts, they continue to advance knowledge, foster collaboration, and create meaningful impacts both locally and globally.

Daniel Nascimento, NSF Early Career Award
Farhad Jazaei, NSF Early Career Award
Sabya Mishra, NSF Industry University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC) Award

Review the full list of award recipients in the 2025 Research Celebration program.