Research and Technology Transfer Honors Faculty at Inaugural Research Excellence Event

JONESBORO – The Office of Research and Technology Transfer hosted the inaugural Research Excellence Luncheon during Convocation of Scholars at Arkansas State University, recognizing faculty whose work advanced discovery, innovation, and scholarly impact over the past year. 

Honorees were celebrated during a program featuring individual recognitions and awards, and remarks from university research leadership.

The 2026 Research Excellence Luncheon honorees are:

• Dr. Mohammad Abrar Alam, professor, Department of Chemistry and Physics
   Recognized for a U.S. Patent that was issued in 2025, titled “Nootkatone derivatives and methods of using the same.”

• Dr. Tameka Bailey, assistant professor, Department of Biological Sciences
   Recognized as a grant recipient for an NIH R15 investing more than $400K in her research

• Dr. Jennifer Bouldin, dean, Beck College of Sciences and Mathematics
   Recognized as a grant recipient for an NSF Major Instrumentation award that allowed the purchase of new equipment totaling more than $700K

• Dr. Drew Fleming, associate professor, College of Engineering and Computer Science
   Recognized as a grant recipient for an Arkansas Research Alliance Emerging Research Leadership Award

• Dr. Rachael Isom, associate professor, Department of English, Philosophy, & World Languages
   Recognized for high grant proposal activity, submitting four proposals this past year to further her scholarly work

• Dr. Donghoon Kim, associate professor, College of Engineering and Computer Science
  Recognized as a grant recipient for a collaborative project with University of Arkansas, totaling more than $500K invested in Dr. Kim’s research

• Dr. Nanying Lin, assistant professor, Neil Griffin College of Business
   Recognized for a publication in a scholarly journal with an impact factor greater than 10

• Dr. Fabricio Medina-Bolivar, professor, Department of Biological Sciences
   Recognized for a U.S. Patent that was issued in 2025, titled "Functionalization of Plant Tissues For Human Cell Expansion."

• Dr. Ehsan Naderi, assistant professor, College of Engineering and Computer Science
   Recognized as the recipient of the institution’s Emerging Scholar Excellence Award in 2025

• Dr. Nikesha Nesbitt, dean, University College
   Recognized as a grant recipient for a US Department of Education award totaling more than $300K to further the student support services her college provides

• Dr. Jianfeng Xu, research professor, Arkansas Biosciences Institute
   Recognized for a publication in a scholarly journal with an impact factor greater than 10 and as the recipient of the institution’s Chancellor’s Medal in 2025

• Dr. Chiqian Zhang, assistant professor, College of Engineering and Computer Science
   Recognized for high grant proposal activity, submitting four proposals this past year to further his research

Five additional individuals were recognized for exemplary contributions to their fields. Dr. Travis Marsico, vice provost, noted “Each of these individuals embodies the relentless pursuit of excellence and the purpose behind today’s event.” They were honored with an engraved plaque to commemorate their achievements, as well as a $1,000 award from the Office of Research and Technology Transfer to further their work.

• Dr. Argelia Lorence, professor, Department of Chemistry and Physics
   Honored as an inductee into the Arkansas Latino Hall of Fame for 2026. “This prestigious recognition celebrates her lifelong contributions to science, education, and community engagement,” Marsico told the audience.

• Dr. Nairam Simoes, assistant professor, Department of Music
   Honored for achieving the highest overall productivity on Faculty180 reporting in the Arts and Humanities. This includes six journal publications, two creative arts activities, and six presentations for 2025. “This distinction reflects a sustained commitment to scholarly excellence and creative activity," Marsico also said.

• Mrs. Jo Ann Nalley, director, Childhood Services
   Honored as the recipient of the largest grant in 2025, with a $2.7M grant from the Arkansas Department of Education and six proposals submitted in 2025. Marsico commented, “Her dedication to advancing her unit’s public service and security funding is continuously truly commendable.”

• Dr. Kristin Johnson, executive director, RESTORE Hub
   Honored as the recipient of a remarkable $2M grant from the US Department of Education and for her exceptional leadership, relentlessly pursuing external funding surrounded by a team that facilitates the research and service enterprise she is developing.

• Dr. Lori Neuman-Lee, associate professor, Department of Biological Sciences
   Honored as the recipient of a major federal grant, more than $600K from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. She was also recognized for highest overall productivity for 2025 on Faculty180 reporting within the STEM fields.

“Research, innovation, and discovery take a variety of forms from the diverse fields of study underway at A-State, and this event was aimed at celebrating that excellence that you all are achieving," Marsico continued. "This luncheon and the awards are recognition that your contributions are seen and valued.  Keep up the amazing work.”