After the close of the spring semester, a number of faculty and staff members from the UAB School of Engineering were honored with awards for their work in the school and in the community.
Research Awards were presented to faculty members Yajing Wang, Ph.D., and Selvum “Brian” Pillay, Ph.D.; and the school’s first-ever Engagement and Service awards were presented to recipients Paula Pino, Chengyi Xu, Ph.D., and Tommy Foley.
In addition, Jianyi “Jay” Zhang, Ph.D., and Kathy Lu, Ph.D., were introduced as Distinguished Professors, following their recent appointments by the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees.
Research Awards
Research Excellence Award
Wang, a professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, was presented the Research Excellence Award in recognition of her “outstanding research accomplishments, as documented by publications, citations, grants, and other evidence of the quality and impact.”
An internationally recognized leader in diabetic cardiovascular disease, microvascular biology, and interorgan communication, Wang has published 90 peer-reviewed manuscripts to date—17 of which have been published since she joined UAB in August 2022.
Research Collaboration Award
Pillay, a professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, was presented the school’s Research Collaboration Award, which honors “researchers who have made an impact by bringing together groups of researchers to work together on important problems.”
Nominations submitted for Pillay emphasized his ability to “bring together faculty from UAB and other universities as well as government researchers, research engineers, post-doctoral fellows, graduate students and undergraduate students to solve important engineering challenges at scale.”
Engagement and Service Awards
Engagement and Service Excellence Award
Paula Pino, a senior research scientist in the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, received the inaugural Engagement and Service Excellence Award for her efforts both within the school and in communities around the city and state.
““Paula Pino has played a vital role in the School of Engineering’s participation in the Live Health Smart Alabama effort in Birmingham and other cities in Alabama,” one nominator wrote. “Paula has been instrumental in organizing volunteer events that actively engage School of Engineering students and give them meaningful opportunities to impact their communities.”
In addition to her leadership of volunteer efforts, Pino has co-authored two ASEE papers detailing the built-environment-improvement process, community-engagement strategies, and the educational outcomes of student participation.
Engagement and Service Catalyst Award
Chengyi Xu, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, received the Engagement and Service Catalyst Award for his work to “transform the school’s visibility” by managing MME social media platforms, while also “significantly strengthening recruitment, alumni relations, and industry partnerships.”
Nominators also cited Xu’s community outreach, ranging from NSBE and the Heritage Festival STEM Program to the Central Alabama Science & Engineering Fair and the Google MSI Summit. “His transformative contributions make him a highly deserving recipient of this award.”
Shared Values Award
The inaugural Shared Values Award was presented to Tommy Foley, the school’s longtime director of Information Technology.
“Tommy Foley embodies the Shared Values Award through his exceptional commitment to service and collaboration across the School of Engineering,” a nominator wrote. “He consistently anticipates needs, listens carefully, and works seamlessly with students, faculty, and staN to ensure everyone has the tools to succeed. His ability to manage complex operations with eNiciency and calm builds trust and confidence across the School of Engineering. Above all, his approachable and service-driven mindset fosters a welcoming, high-functioning, and collaborative environment.”