UNT College of Engineering

What begins with curiosity can lead to discoveries that shape entire industries. That mindset continues to drive the work of Dr. Jincheng Du, chair of the UNT Department of Materials Science and Engineering, whose research and leadership have now earned election as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

From advancing materials used in energy storage and biomedical applications to addressing challenges in nuclear waste management, Dr. Du’s work reflects the kind of innovation happening every day within UNT Engineering. Just as impactful is his commitment to mentoring the next generation of researchers, scientists and engineers.

We are proud to celebrate this recognition and the continued impact of UNT Materials Science and Engineering on research, education and innovation.

Read more about Dr. Du and his work at UNT: https://news.unt.edu/news/2026/unt-professor-elected-fellow-of-american-association-for-the-advancement-of-science.html

Recently, UNT College of Engineering welcomed UNT ARMY ROTC cadets to Discovery Park for an immersive look at how engineering research is shaping the future of defense, mobility and advanced technologies.

During the visit, cadets toured the UNT Advanced Air Mobility (UAAM) Test Facility alongside Department Chair of UNT Department of Electrical Engineering Shengli Fu, who oversees UAAM and leads research initiatives connected to autonomous systems, drone technologies and advanced mobility innovation. Students explored drone testing operations, autonomous systems research and the growing role of advanced air mobility in both industry and national defense applications.

The group also met with faculty researchers, including UNT Department of Materials Science and Engineering faculty members Associate Dean Andrey Voevodin and Dr. Diana Berman, whose research has contributed to Army and Department of Defense-supported drone propulsion and materials projects focused on improving durability and performance in unmanned aerial systems.

For many of these cadets preparing to commission this semester and next, the visit provided a firsthand look at how academics, research and industry collaboration intersect in real-world environments. Experiences like this continue strengthening the connection between higher education, engineering innovation and service leadership while preparing students to solve complex challenges in the field and beyond.

The University of North Texas College of Engineering was proud to welcome the North Texas Association of Energy Engineers to campus for their first visit as an organization. Bringing together professionals from across the energy and technology sectors, this visit created a valuable opportunity for engagement, dialogue and knowledge sharing with our students.

Discussions throughout the visit highlighted the rapidly evolving landscape of energy, including the importance of innovation, sustainability and interdisciplinary collaboration. For our students, experiences like this provide critical exposure to the expectations of the workforce and a deeper understanding of how their academic work translates into real-world impact.

At the College of Engineering, we remain committed to creating meaningful connections between our students and industry leaders. These interactions not only strengthen technical knowledge, but also build the professional awareness and confidence needed to lead in a changing global environment.

We appreciate the time and perspective shared during this visit and look forward to continued collaboration that supports student success and advances the future of energy.

Student innovation, real-world impact.

The 2026 iUNT Pitch Competition showcased what happens when research meets opportunity at the University of North Texas. Students stepped forward with ideas built to solve real problems, refining them through mentorship, feedback and competition at the highest level.

We are proud to see the UNT College of Engineering represented among the top performers. Raj Kumar Pittala earned First Prize for his work in shape memory polymer technology, advancing applications in biomaterials and minimally invasive medical solutions. His work reflects the kind of research-driven innovation that is moving from the lab toward meaningful impact.

Competitions like this do more than recognize achievement. They prepare students to think beyond the technical, to translate ideas into viable solutions and to lead at the intersection of engineering and entrepreneurship.

Read more here: https://cob.unt.edu/news/2026-04-27-student-startups-win-big-at-2026-iunt-pitch-competition.html

The University of North Texas College of Engineering is proud to recognize Sameehan S. Joshi, Ph.D., assistant professor our UNT Department of Materials Science and Engineering, for recent national recognition that reflects his continued impact in additive manufacturing and service to the profession.

Dr. Joshi has been selected as a recipient of the SAE International 2026 Forest McFarland Award, which honors excellence in service within the mobility industry. His leadership in organizing the Additive Manufacturing for Mobility symposium at the SAE World Congress has helped bring together researchers and industry leaders at one of the largest automotive and mobility events in the Americas.

He has also been appointed as JOM Journal Advisor for the Additive Manufacturing section by The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society, a role that reflects his growing influence in advancing research and scholarship in the field.
These recognitions speak to the strength of our faculty and the work being done across the college to contribute to industry, research and the broader engineering community.

Excellence in engineering is not defined by one area alone. It is built through research, teaching, leadership and a commitment to investing in others. The UNT College of Engineering is proud to recognize faculty members honored through the University of North Texas 2026 Faculty Excellence Awards.

Dr. Anupama Kaul, professor of UNT Department of Materials Science and Engineering, was named a recipient of the Teacher Scholar Award. This university-wide honor recognizes mid-career faculty who demonstrate a strong record of research productivity while delivering an exceptional classroom experience. Her work reflects a strong balance between scholarship and teaching, with a focus on innovative instruction and preparing students to apply their knowledge in meaningful ways.

Dr. Diana Berman, associate professor of materials science and engineering, was awarded the Decker Scholar Award. Established to recognize research excellence in science and technology, this distinction highlights faculty whose work demonstrates significant impact and innovation. As a Decker Scholar, she will receive support over a two-year period to further advance her research.

Dr. Ram Dantu, professor of UNT Department of Computer Science & Engineering, received the Research Leadership Award. This recognition honors a faculty member whose sustained research excellence and leadership have made significant contributions to their discipline while earning national and international recognition.

Dr. Hassan Qandil, PhD, PE, CEM® Qandil, clinical associate professor of UNT Department of Mechanical Engineering, was recognized with the Ulys and Vera Knight Mentor Award. This award honors faculty who demonstrate sustained excellence in mentoring, supporting students and colleagues through academic guidance, professional development and research engagement.

Dr. Gayatri Mehta, professor of UNT Department of Electrical Engineering, was named a University Distinguished Teaching Professor. This designation recognizes faculty who demonstrate outstanding teaching at the introductory level, a sustained record of instructional excellence and a commitment to advancing teaching practices within the university community.

Dr. Thomas Scharf, professor of materials science and engineering, was named a University Distinguished Research Professor. This designation recognizes tenured faculty who have achieved an exceptional record of research productivity and continue to demonstrate sustained, high-impact contributions to their field.

Dr. Vijay Vasudevan, professor of materials science and engineering, was named a Regents Professor. This distinction recognizes faculty who have demonstrated outstanding achievement across teaching, research and service, along with a sustained record of national and international recognition throughout their careers.