UNCW Honors Excellence in Research and Innovation

The achievements, scholarly productivity and creative works of UNCW’s research leaders were formally applauded at the annual research celebration on Sept. 26. The event recognized those who have participated in extramurally sponsored research in the form of proposals or awards within the preceding fiscal year (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024) and celebrated significant research accomplishments and impact. 

"We are thrilled to come together for the 17th research reception to celebrate our researchers from across campus,” said Justine Reel, interim associate provost for research and innovation. “This annual event recognizes faculty and staff research and scholarly and creative activity. In addition, this reception provides an opportunity to honor those staff who support UNCW's growing enterprise.” 

2024 Research and Innovation Award Recipients 

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. 

• Racheal Walton, non-student accounts receivable manager, Controller’s Office  

Most Peer-Reviewed Journal Publications  

Cameron School of Business 

• Miran Hossain, Economics and Finance   
• Steven Kaszak, Accountancy 
• Peter Schuhmann, Economics and Finance 

College of Health and Human Services 

• Tamatha Arms, Nursing 
• Shannon Ford, Nursing 
• Jacquelyn Vaughn, Nursing 

College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and the Arts

• Allison Harris, English  
• Michaela Howells, Anthropology
• Christopher Prentice, Public and International Affairs 

College of Science and Engineering 

• Thomas Cariveau, Psychology  
• Indranil Ghosh, Mathematics and Statistics 
• Thomas Williamson, Chemistry and Biochemistry 
• Kara Yopak, Biology and Marine Biology 

Watson College of Education 

• Sheri Conklin, Instructional Technology, Foundations and Secondary Education 
• Sara Movahedazarhouligh, Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle, Literacy and Special Education 

Invention Disclosures 

At the beginning of the patenting process, an Invention Disclosure is the first notification that an invention has been created and establishes the description and chronology of the invention.    

Switchable Transgenes in Corals 

• Nathan Crowe, History 
• Nicole Fogarty, Biology and Marine Biology 
• Jacob Warner, Biology and Marine Biology 

INSIGHTS 

• Shannon Ford, Nursing 

GLP1R Efficacy Enhancement 

• Ying Wang, Chemistry and Biochemistry 

Optical Lids 

• Ying Wang, Chemistry and Biochemistry 

SeaPal 

• Nivine Richie, Cameron School of Business 
• Nicole Carabelli, Cameron School of Business 
• Eric Maloney ’24 
• Michael Maloney ’22, ’23 M.S. 

Live4You App 

• Kenny Dearstine ’23 
• Dominick Ng 
• Nick Palmieri ’23 
• Yusuf Qureshi 
• Nathan Smith 
• Daniel Valencia 

SAFE: Supplying Access for Everyone in Need 

• Julie Hinkle, Nursing 
• Sharon Norris, Nursing 
• Ruthanne Palumbo, Nursing 
• Laavanya Rachakonda, Computer Science 
• Noell Rowan, Social Work 

Anti-cancer Compounds from Wild Ginger 

• Thomas Williamson, Chemistry and Biochemistry 
• Wendy Strangman, Chemistry and Biochemistry 
• Sarah Barr 
• Jared Wood ’20 

HawkAI 

• Shane Elliot, Sociology and Criminology
• Douglas Engelman, Sociology and Criminology 

Two divisional patents were issued to UNCW faculty in 2024. 

Waste Water and Human-derived Pathogen Scouting Tool 

• Lawrence Cahoon, Biology and Marine Biology 

Methods and Kits for Determining Sediment and Pore Water Toxicity with Dorman and Developing Zooplankton and other Species having a Dorman Life Stage  

• Joseph Covi, Biology and Marine Biology 

The Research Achievement Awards recognize faculty for their excellence in research, innovation and scholarship leading to the advancement of knowledge in their fields, discoveries with significant societal impact and the engagement of students in the process. 

• Thomas Cariveau, Psychology 
• Danielle Daidone, World Language and Cultures 
• Julia Morris, International Studies 
• Monica Rother, Environmental Sciences 
• Lorian Schweikert, Biology and Marine Biology 

The James F. Merritt Million Dollar Club is a university honor and recognition for faculty and staff who have received $1 million or more in external research funding. 

$10 Million 

• Christopher Lantz, College of Health and Human Services 
• Jack Watson, College of Health and Human Services 

$5 Million 

• Kristen DeVall, Sociology and Criminology
• Christina Lanier, Sociology and Criminology 
• Sally MacKain, Psychology 
• Jeanne Persuit, Communication Studies 
• Frederick Scharf, Biology and Marine Biology 

$1 Million 

• Christian Briseño-Avena, Biology and Marine Biology 
• Nathan Crowe, History 
• Raymond Danner, Biology and Marine Biology 
• Nicole Fogarty, Biology and Marine Biology 
• Derek Grimes, Physics and Physical Oceanography 
• Stephanie Kamel, Biology and Marine Biology 
• Shannon Klotsko, Earth and Ocean Sciences 
• Ai Ning Loh, Earth and Ocean Sciences 
• Ryan Mieras, Physics and Physical Oceanography 
• Remington Poulin, Chemistry and Biochemistry 
• Veronica Tapia, College Advising Corps 
• Jacob Warner, Biology and Marine Biology 
• Amanda Southwood Williard, Biology and Marine Biology 

The Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award recognizes all aspects of excellence in scholarship, research and creativity including activities that involve colleagues and students. The award is presented at the annual Faculty Awards Celebration by the Faculty Senate President. The annual research celebration is proud to also honor the 2024 recipient. 

• Susanna Lopez-Legentil, Biology and Marine Biology