Faculty Tenures, Promotions for 2025–2026
As New York Tech prepares for the 2025–2026 academic year, several faculty members have been recognized for their outstanding teaching, scholarship, service, and commitment to the university and its students through tenure and promotions approved at the May meeting of the Board of Trustees.
“It is a privilege to recognize these educators and scholars for their achievements and commitment to our students,” says Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Francine Glazer, Ph.D. “On behalf of our students, we applaud their contributions in our classrooms, labs, and beyond to deliver the best possible education and student experiences at New York Tech.”
The following tenures and/or promotions become effective on September 1, 2025:
College of Arts and Sciences
- Daniel Cinotti, Ph.D., promotion to professor
- Nayoung Kim, Ph.D., tenure and promotion to associate professor
College of Engineering and Computing Sciences
- Arman Bonakdarpour, Ph.D., promotion to associate professor (Vancouver)
- Jerry Cheng, Ph.D., tenure and promotion to associate professor
- Paolo Gasti, Ph.D., promotion to professor
- Yongjian Gu, Ph.D., promotion to adjunct professor
- Fang Li, Ph.D., promotion to professor
- Yunlong Shao, Ph.D., promotion to associate professor (Vancouver)
College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Joerg Leheste, Ph.D., promotion to professor
- To Shan Li, D.O., promotion to professor (Jonesboro)
- Donna-Marie McMahon, D.O., promotion to professor
- Lillian Niwagaba, Ph.D., promotion to associate professor
- Gonzalo Otazu, Ph.D.,promotion to associate professor
- Anu Raj, Psy.D., promotion to associate professor
- Milan Toma, Ph.D., promotion to associate professor
- Haotian Zhao, M.D., promotion to professor
- Yingtao (Jerry) Zhao, Ph.D., promotion to associate professor
School of Architecture and Design
- Alessandro Melis, Ph.D., tenure
- Sung (Kevin) Park, M.F.A., tenure and promotion to associate professor
School of Health Professions
- Jaclyn Cotgreave, Ph.D., tenure and promotion to associate professor
- Lori Hochman, Ph.D., tenure and promotion to associate professor
- Jessica Varghese, Ph.D., tenure and promotion to associate professor
School of Management
- Joshua Bienstock, J.D., promotion to professor
- Sinan Caykoylu, Ph.D., promotion to professor (Vancouver)
- Shaya Sheikh, Ph.D., promotion to professor
More News
From Early Exposure to Lasting Impact
How undergraduate research in medicinal chemistry and biomedical sciences enhances student Luke Jacob’s educational journey.
Hooding 2026: From Students to Doctors
NYITCOM graduates were welcomed into the medical profession at Hooding Ceremonies on Long Island and in Arkansas.
Personal Experience Fuels Start-Up Idea
Mechanical engineering student Chigozie (Henry) Umeaku created VZgate, an online service designed to streamline the student visa process.
Study: Smartphones Negatively Impact Middle School Students
Findings by Melissa DiMartino, Ph.D., suggest smartphones reduce mindfulness and increase bullying in middle school classrooms.
Congratulations, Class of 2026!
On May 17, graduates, family members, and friends joined faculty, staff, and administration at New York Institute of Technology’s Long Island campus to celebrate its 65th annual commencement.
Dedicating Henry C. Foley Hall, Honoring Academic Innovation
At a renaming ceremony, a building on the Long Island campus was dedicated as Henry C. Foley Hall. New York Tech also announced that it has formed a chapter of the national Academy of Inventors.