Four members of the University of Rhode Island College of Engineering faculty were promoted as of July 1, 2019.
Vinka Craver
Promoted to Full Professor
“I am really grateful to the College of Engineering for giving me the opportunity to develop as a researcher and as a teacher and for recognizing my accomplishments through the years.” — Vinka Craver
Proudest Accomplishment of the Past Year
I took the lead in securing a major National Science Foundation research instrumentation award, which enabled us to obtain a state-of-the-art high throughput confocal microscope.
Current Research
My students and I are working on four areas of research: land-based emissions of microplastics, the long-term impact of antimicrobial nanoparticle, biofilm prevention in marine environments and low cost water treatment systems for developing communities.
Laboratory
Sustainable & Environmental Technologies Laboratory
Kunal Mankodiya
Promoted to Associate Professor with Tenure
“This tenure promotion is very fulfilling because it means I have accomplished one of the milestones of professorship. This stage of the journey means you have lost sight of the shore and are now ready to discover new oceans.” — Kunal Mankodiya
Proudest Accomplishment of the Past Year
The Wearable Biosensing Lab just completed its fifth anniversary. It’s been a pleasure to work with a diverse group of students each year who make our research lab unique, lively and inclusive.
Current Research
Smart textiles and Internet of things are the core elements of our research. We have started integrating them into new waves of human-centered applications, such as medicine, rehabilitation, mental health, wellness and safety.
Laboratory
Wearable Biosensing Lab
Samantha Meenach
Promoted to Associate Professor with Tenure
“Being awarded tenure and promotion is such a big honor, both respect to my many years of hard work paying off and being selected by my peers to continue to be a part of the URI family.” — Samantha Meenach
Proudest Accomplishment of the Past Year
Graduating four Ph.D. students and one master’s degree student. We had a very productive year with publications and presentations.
Current Research
My group is currently developing aerosol nanocomposite microparticles to deliver nanoparticles to the lungs that are capable of penetrating physiological barriers such as mucus and the pulmonary epithelial barrier. This is directly related to my area of expertise involving developing pulmonary drug delivery systems.
Laboratory
Pharmaceutical Engineering Laboratory
Jyh-Hone Wang
Promoted to Full Professor III
“It is an affirmation of my work over the past 25 years and it is one of the most significant milestone in my life.” — Jyh-Hone Wang
Proudest Accomplishment of the Past Year
I completed a project sponsored by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation to automate the process of assessing the characteristics and conditions of sidewalks.
Current Research
I am currently working on a project to study human perception and behavior on partially or fully automated vehicles. A proposal is prepared with my colleagues to seek extramural support for this study. This study aligns well with my research interest and expertise on human factors in transportation.
Laboratory
Driving Simulation Lab