Outstanding Faculty Recognized of 2024-25 During Convocation of Scholars Honors Program
Dr. Jianfeng (Jay) Xu (center), professor of biochemical engineering in the Arkansas Biosciences Institute and College of Agriculture, is congratulated by Dr. Calvin White Jr., executive vice chancellor and provost, and Chancellor Dr. Todd Shields.
JONESBORO – The five recipients of the 2024-25 Faculty Excellence Awards were announced Thursday during the annual Faculty Honors Convocation, a highlight of Convocation of Scholars at Arkansas State University.
“We not only celebrate faculty excellence, but also their profound impact on our students, institution, academic community, and the state of Arkansas. Arkansas State University – quite literally – changes lives, and without our outstanding faculty, that would not be possible,” said Dr. Calvin White Jr., executive vice chancellor and provost.
The awards, determined through a campus nomination and committee review process, are for significant and praiseworthy achievement in the respective categories and include monetary awards.
Chancellor’s Medal for Research and Creative Activities: Dr. Jianfeng (Jay) Xu
Dr. Jianfeng (Jay) Xu, professor of biochemical engineering in the Arkansas Biosciences Institute and College of Agriculture, is the recipient of the Chancellor‘s Medal for Research and Creative Activities. His research focus is plant-based bioproduction, with a goal of developing a plant cell-based production platform for biopharmaceuticals by modifying plants or plant cells. He has secured more than $4.7 million in competitive grants and has written more than 50 peer-reviewed papers, several book chapters, and a subject-expert book. Xu has trained and supervised undergraduate and graduate students in his laboratory, helping lead them to flourishing careers.
Faculty Excellence Award, Professional Service: Dr. Rajesh Sharma
Dr. Rajesh Sharma, associate professor in renewable energy technology and director of the Engineering Technology Program, is the recipient of the Faculty Excellence Award, Professional Service. One of his greatest recent achievements was leading the College of Engineering and Computer Science in receiving initial accreditation of engineering technology by the Association of Technology Management and Applied Engineering. His professional service demonstrates a dedication to work in recruitment, retention and outreach to students of all ages and backgrounds, with much of his efforts focused on workforce development in Northeast Arkansas. This past year, he had a leading role in the development of an undergraduate certificate in advanced materials and manufacturing, which will greatly benefit students and their future employers.
Faculty Excellence Award, Emerging Scholar: Dr. Ehsan Naderi
Dr. Ehsan Naderi, assistant professor of electrical engineering and interim program director, is this year’s recipient of the Faculty Excellence Award, Emerging Scholar. He achieved numerous accomplishments in 2024, including being the author of two book chapters, three peer-reviewed journal articles, and four conference papers. Naderi’s nomination documents indicate a remarkable performance in scholarly activities and research, which has led to a richer classroom experience for his students.
Faculty Excellence Award for Teaching, Tenure Track: Dr. Niamat Ibne Hossain
Dr. Niamat Ibne Hossain, assistant professor of engineering management, is recognized with the Faculty Excellence Award, Teaching, tenure-track. Nominators indicated that he simultaneously taught both in-person and online classes while also being one of the most active researchers in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Former students lauded his teaching style and crediting his commitment to their success in the classes he taught. His commitment both inside and outside of the classroom was credited with making him an effective instructor.
Faculty Excellence Award for Teaching, Non-Tenure Track: Kayla Travis
Kayla Travis, assistant professor of nursing, is recognized with the Faculty Excellence Award, Teaching, non-tenure track. Nominators credited Travis’ hard work to provide an exceptional educational experience for her students. She works to provide engaging strategies to ensure her students enjoy learning in the program. Administrators in the College of Nursing and Health Professions said she has consistently received high praise in student reviews and has had a positive impact on the program. 
From left are: Dr. Calvin White Jr., executive vice chancellor and provost; Kayla Travis, assistant professor of nursing in the College of Nursing and Health Professions; Dr. Jianfeng (Jay) Xu, professor of biochemical engineering in the Arkansas Biosciences Institute and College of Agriculture; Dr. Niamat Ibne Hossain, assistant professor of engineering management in the College of Engineering and Computer Science; Dr. Ehsan Naderi, assistant professor of electrical engineering in the College of Engineering and Computer Science; and Chancellor Dr. Todd Shields. Dr. Rajesh Sharma, associate professor in renewable energy technology in the College of Engineering and Computer Science was unable to attend.
