Faculty & Staff Accomplishments
We are excited to share recent accomplishments from faculty and staff members at our campuses around the world.
Accomplishments are listed by date of achievement in reverse chronological order, with the most recent first.
Wei Zeng
College of Engineering and Computing SciencesWei Zeng, Ph.D., assistant professor of mechanical engineering, published a research article, “A 3D mesomechanical modeling framework for skeletal muscle: Influence of fascicle architecture and ECM volume on mechanical behavior,” in Engineering Advances on August 8, 2026. It developed a 3D mesoscale finite element framework for skeletal muscle modeling and quantified effects of fascicle architecture and ECM volume on muscle mechanical behavior.
Maria Di Natale
School of Architecture and DesignMaria Di Natale, B.Arch., visiting associate professor of architecture, was selected to participate in the 2026 NCARB Scholars in Professional Practice program. The three-day symposium brought together educators from architecture schools nationwide to explore innovative approaches for preparing the next generation of architects. She presented a comprehensive lesson to her peers on August 8, 2026, simulating the first session of her professional practice course in a small-group setting.
Robert Alexander
College of Arts and SciencesRobert G. Alexander, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology and counseling, was quoted in a Good Housekeeping article, "Optimism is the secret wellness tool you’re not using – here are 12 ways to build it," on August 7, 2026.
Niharika Nath
College of Arts and SciencesNiharika Nath, Ph.D., professor of biological and chemical sciences, published an academic article, "Building an Undergraduate Research Ecosystem: Access, Assessment, and Institutional Innovation," in the Summer 2026 issue of Scholarship and Practice of Undergraduate Research Journal. This article is a scholarly discourse on undergraduate research and promoting evidence-informed approaches to student learning and engagement.
Claude Gagna
College of Arts and SciencesClaude E. Gagna, Ph.D., professor of biological and chemical sciences, published an article, "Beyond Sequence: Building the Next Generation of Structural Genomics Platforms," in Bio IT World on July 31, 2026. This article discusses the emerging field of structural genomics, emphasizing the biological importance of canonical and noncanonical DNA and RNA structures. It describes the need for integrated computational platforms that combine structural prediction, analysis, visualization, and artificial intelligence to better understand gene regulation, genomic instability, disease, and precision medicine.
Robert Alexander
College of Arts and SciencesRobert G. Alexander, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology and counseling, was quoted in a News USA article, "Helping Children Manage Back-to-School Anxiety," on July 31, 2026.
Karrer Alghazali
College of Engineering & Computing Sciences-Department of Electrical and Computer EngineeringKarrer Alghazali, Ph.D., assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, College of Engineering and Computing Sciences, and Rabab Hamzah, Ph.D., adjunct assistant professor of biological and chemical sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, have coauthored a new comprehensive review advancing strategies for volumetric muscle loss (VML) regeneration, highlighting emerging approaches that combine biomaterials, 3D scaffolds, biofabrication, and therapeutic stimulation to address severe muscle injuries that cannot naturally regenerate. Their paper, "Toward an Integrated Strategy for Volumetric Muscle Loss Regeneration," was published on July 28, 2026, in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.
Evan Shieh
School of Architecture and DesignGiovanni Santamaria, Ph.D. professor and associate dean, and Evan Shieh, M.AUD., assistant professor of architecture, co-led New York Tech's atelier at the international 2026 WAVe Workshop hosted by the Università Iuav di Venezia (IUAV) in Venice, Italy, on July 17, 2026. Their workshop, titled "Sacred Equilibria: The Architecture of New Cosmogonies," investigated the 2026 theme of balance as a sacred condition dynamically mediating human-planetary scales, material-ephemeral forces, and socio-ecological responsibilities to produce collective meaning beyond conventionally sacred spaces.
Michael Izady
College of Arts and SciencesMichael Izady, Ph.D., teaching assistant professor, Department of Humanities, has written an updated and expanded fourth edition of his book, The Kurds: A Concise Handbook. It was published in July 2026 in Turkish by publisher Nûbihar. English and German publication is forthcoming. The book includes over 500 pages with 75 graphics and tables.
Dongsei Kim
School of Architecture and DesignDongsei Kim, M.Des., associate professor of architecture, participated in the 2026 International Architecture Studio Workshop at Gyeongsang National University (GNU) from July 14 – 16, 2026. The workshop, titled "Namgang Futures: Architectural Explorations for a Sustainable Historic City," is the first jointly hosted international program since New York Tech officially signed an memorandum of understanding this year with GNU.