Exploring New Frontiers of Faculty Excellence

For nearly 100 years, University of Houston faculty have inspired innovation within classrooms and communities. A UH initiative aims to ensure this trend continues by bringing 100 top researchers to campus.

In 2022, UH launched its Presidential Frontier Faculty (PFF) initiative. Supported by the vision of UH President Renu Khator, Presidential Frontier Faculty are strategically recruited scholars from across the nation. Their research is interdisciplinary and confronts societal challenges affecting communities worldwide. PFF members also mentor future generations of problem-solvers and professionals.

In essence, these professors contribute to UH's ever-growing research profile and to bolstering its academic enterprise.

President Khator's ambitious goal is to bring 100 Presidential Frontier Faculty to campus, and the institution is working to hit that magic number.

"We must use our intellectual capital to serve communities and improve quality of life," said UH President Renu Khator. "Research is a key driver in this endeavor, unlocking cures for chronic illness, clean energy solutions and a more equitable society. When you think of modern advancements that have propelled humanity forward, they all start with research."

An inaugural cohort of 17 Presidential Frontier Faculty arrived on campus in 2022. The pandemic put a pause on its progress, but this fall, 18 new PFF members joined the University.

The majority of these scholars have dual faculty appointments within colleges and departments. All PFF members work within research clusters aligned with long-term federal research priorities.

"To address the complex challenges of the 21st century, we want to empower collaborative research across multiple disciplines," said Claudia Neuhauser, vice president for UH's Division of Research. "Researchers who can cross disciplines are poised to lead interdisciplinary teams. They also bring unique perspectives to the classroom."

Neuhauser is among UH's academic leaders who are on the frontlines of identifying future PFF members. The Office of the Provost also is tasked with guiding this initiative, which recruits scholars leading research in these priority disciplines: health, artificial intelligence, energy, sustainability and aerospace.

"These scholars and teachers are emblematic of UH's reputation as a world-class institution and are accelerating our journey toward becoming a top 50 public university," said UH Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Diane Z. Chase.

Dalia Munenzon, assistant professor in the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design, is among the University's Presidential Frontier Faculty. Her work with sustainable planning, urban design and climate adaptation earned her a place among these distinguished faculty members.

She was drawn to UH because of the research conducted within her college and its faculty's commitment to community engagement. Additionally, the University's proximity to the Gulf Coast offers further opportunities to explore environmental challenges.

"Being a part of the Presidential Frontier Faculty at UH is an honor and a transformative moment in my career," she said. "The support for faculty development, mainly through the Presidential Frontier Faculty program, made it clear that UH invests in its scholars' success and their contributions to society."

Fellow PFF Seoung Hoon Park concurs.

Park, assistant professor of health and human performance and communication disorders, was interested in joining UH because of its research facilities. He also was intrigued by opportunities to collaborate with faculty in other disciplines. Like Munenzon, he is honored to be among the earliest PFF cohorts and is especially proud to work with UH's talented students.

"The students at UH have really impressed me with their passion and drive," he said. "They are eager to learn, highly motivated to succeed, and committed to making a positive impact both in their fields of study and in the community."

At UH, Park is exploring mechanisms and rehabilitation tools for seniors, stroke patients and those experiencing neurological diseases.

Park, Munenzon and other Frontier Faculty are currently showcased on UH's Scholars Walk. The digital installation, located between MD Anderson Library and the Student Center, spotlights the achievements of students and faculty. Its Presidential Frontier Faculty display helps demonstrate the program's growth and ultimately, its impact. Other PFF members featured on the Scholars Walk, include Neema Langa, assistant professor of African American Studies and sociology; Mingjian Wen, assistant professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering; Nikolas Guggenberger, assistant professor of law; and Yabo Niu, assistant professor of mathematics and medicine.

"Each of our Presidential Frontier Faculty members earn recognition through their scholarly achievements," Chase said. "I am pleased to see them acknowledged on our campus by way of the Scholars Walk. It is my hope that our campus community can gain a greater understanding of the value they bring to UH."

Provided by University of Houston