The University of South Florida (USF) is making significant strides in solidifying its position as one of America’s premier research universities by welcoming a cohort of 291 new faculty members this fall. This represents a 29% increase from the previous year, showcasing USF’s commitment to attracting top talent in various fields. The new faculty members include leading health experts, marine scientists, computer engineers, and scholars from diverse disciplines, all drawn to USF’s growing reputation as a hub for innovation and research excellence. As a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), USF offers a unique opportunity for these scholars to join a world-class faculty already in place at the university.
USF President Rhea Law emphasized the vital role that faculty members play in fostering new knowledge and enhancing student success. She expressed pride in welcoming these highly accomplished scholars to USF, highlighting their potential to contribute to the university’s mission of solving global problems and improving lives. With 35% of the new faculty members coming from AAU institutions, USF is further solidifying its position among the top research universities in the country.
As the new faculty members prepare for the start of fall classes on August 26, they are actively engaging with the university community across all three campuses. Orientation gatherings and expos provide opportunities for them to familiarize themselves with the campus environment and connect with colleagues in their respective fields.
One of the new faculty members, Kathiresan Selvam, an assistant professor of molecular biosciences, brings with him funding from the National Institutes of Health to investigate the role of a novel protein in DNA repair in yeast. His research aims to advance the understanding of deficiencies in a DNA repair pathway associated with various skin cancers and rare genetic diseases. Selvam expressed his excitement to be part of USF’s growth and collaborate with established experts in the field of DNA damage and repair.
Another notable addition is Tingting Zhang, an associate professor of hospitality and tourism management, joining USF Sarasota-Manatee. Zhang brings several projects focused on enhancing workforce readiness, promoting inclusive employment for individuals with disabilities, and advancing responsible technology design in hospitality. She looks forward to collaborating with talented researchers at USF and fostering interdisciplinary opportunities to advance technology in business and hospitality.
Sarah Lockwood, a USF alumna and assistant professor of criminology, will be joining the St. Petersburg campus. Her research interests include human trafficking, hate and bias crime, and institutional responses to victimization. Lockwood expressed her enthusiasm for collaborating with colleagues who share her passion for impactful research and community engagement, emphasizing her eagerness to return to USF as an alumna.
Brian Maitner, an assistant professor of integrative biology, will also be joining the St. Petersburg campus from the University of Buffalo. His work with the Botanical Information and Ecology Network focuses on understanding biodiversity and collaborating to catalog, quantify, and maintain plant data globally. Maitner’s passion for biodiversity research aligns with USF’s commitment to environmental conservation and scientific innovation.
Lucas Griffin, an assistant professor of marine biology in the College of Arts and Sciences, will bring his expertise in marine conservation to USF. His research focuses on studying Atlantic tarpon movement patterns and habitat connectivity to guide conservation efforts. Griffin looks forward to collaborating with talented scientists at USF to address pressing challenges facing coastal ecosystems and contribute to science-driven solutions.
In addition to the new faculty members, USF is also welcoming three new deans to its leadership team. Elizabeth Spiller has assumed the role of dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, while David Blackwell has been appointed as the Lynn Pippenger Dean of the Muma College of Business. Dr. Sten Vermund, president of the Global Virus Network, will join USF as the dean of the College of Public Health in January, bringing with him a wealth of expertise in virology and public health.
Overall, the influx of new faculty members and deans at USF reflects the university’s commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and community engagement. With a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge research, these scholars are poised to make significant contributions to USF’s mission of advancing knowledge and improving society. As USF continues to grow and evolve, the addition of these talented individuals will undoubtedly enhance the university’s reputation as a leader in higher education and research.
