19th Annual Research Celebration Honors Excellence

UNC Wilmington's research and innovation community gathered Thursday evening for the 19th Annual Research Celebration, recognizing excellence in research, scholarship, creative activity and innovation.

The celebration highlighted outstanding impact and accomplishments from across the university's research enterprise. This year's event was supported by both NCInnovation and North Carolina Biotechnology Center.

"This evening is about celebrating UNCW's research enterprise – how faculty, staff and students test new ideas, generate new knowledge and solve critical problems," said Stuart Borrett, associate provost for Research and Innovation. "We appreciate having this opportunity to celebrate the creativity, persistence and collaborative spirit that define UNCW – especially as the research environment continues to shift. We are pursuing ambitious work while adapting to emerging opportunities. These efforts and successes reaffirm the role research plays in addressing pressing challenges, providing scholarly and societal impact and enriching the educational experience."

College-Level Award Recipients

New this year, recipients of college-level research awards were recognized during the Research Celebration. Honored within their respective colleges during the spring semester, these faculty members were celebrated before the broader campus research community in recognition of their scholarly excellence and contributions to their fields.

Cameron School of Business Faculty Research Award

• Lorraine Lee, Cameron Distinguished Professor, Department of Accountancy and Business Law

College of Health and Human Services Distinguished Researcher Award

• Lindsey Schroeder, associate professor, School of Health and Applied Human Sciences

College of Humanities, Social Sciences and the Arts Research Excellence Award

• Edzordzi Agbozo, associate professor, Department of English

College of Science and Engineering Faculty Excellence in Research and Scholarship Award

• Yalei You, assistant professor, Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences

Watson College of Education Research Excellence Award

• Michele Parker, professor, Department of Educational Leadership

Research Achievement Awards: Rising Research Excellence

The Research Achievement Awards recognize faculty whose work advances knowledge, drives innovation and creates meaningful societal impact while engaging students in the research process. This year's class included five Rising Research Excellence awardees, honoring faculty who are emerging as leaders in their respective fields.

• Hosam Alamleh, assistant professor, Department of Computer Science
• Maia L. Butler, associate professor, Department of English
• Christina Lord, associate professor, Department of World Languages and Cultures
• Matthew McLean, assistant professor, Department of Biology and Marine Biology
• Remington X. Poulin, research associate professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

U.S. Patent Recognition

The research team behind a novel Neck Strength Assessment Tool, designed to help reduce head and neck injuries among both military personnel and athletes, was recognized for receiving a U.S. patent, a significant milestone in the technology's development and potential application.

• Lindsey Schroeder, associate professor, School of Health and Applied Human Sciences
• Alexander McDaniel, associate professor, School of Health and Applied Human Sciences

James F. Merritt Million Dollar Club

The James F. Merritt Million Dollar Club is a university honor recognizing faculty and staff who have secured $1 million or more in external research funding over the course of their careers. This year's class included two new inductees.

• Geoff Stoker, associate professor, Congdon School of Supply Chain, Business Analytics and Information Systems
• Bradley Tolar, assistant professor, Department of Biology and Marine Biology

Research Administration Outstanding Campus Partner Award

The Research Administration Outstanding Campus Partner Award honors staff making improvements to support research administration efforts across campus and celebrates partners contributing to the efficiency and effectiveness of the UNCW research enterprise.

• Stephanie Crowe, associate director of academic and research engagement, UNCW Library