ECU honors leaders in research and innovation
In another display of the innovative achievements and impactful research taking place at East Carolina University, more than 70 scholars, researchers and innovators were honored March 4 during the Research and Scholarship Awards Ceremony. University leaders, faculty, staff and students gathered to recognize those who have made significant contributions to their fields, elevated ECU’s research status and advanced its mission of public service and regional transformation.
Chancellor Philip Rogers opened the ceremony by celebrating ECUs recent elevation to R1 university status by the American Council on Education and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The prestigious designation places ECU among the top 5% of research universities nationwide.
Rogers attributed the achievement to the efforts of the university’s faculty, staff and students.
“It is the culmination of years of hard work, growth and continued commitment to expanding knowledge through research and creative activities,” Rogers said. “It highlights groundbreaking discoveries and the preparation of doctoral students for meaningful careers in higher education and industry. It’s the result of your collaborative work and steadfast commitment to addressing some of the most pressing challenges in health care, technology, education and beyond.”
A Catalyst for Economic Growth
Chancellor Rogers and Interim Provost Buddo present the 5-Year Research Achievement Award to Dr. Rachel Gittman.
Derrick Welch, senior regional innovation network director at NCInnovation, spoke as the event sponsor representative. NCInnovation has partnered with ECU to accelerate the commercialization of faculty research, aiming to transform innovative ideas from classrooms and labs into commercial ventures that drive job creation and regional growth.
Welch emphasized ECU’s pivotal role in advancing the region’s economy through research.
“I can confidently say that as the anchor of the eastern region, ECU faculty have far exceeded all expectations in the quality and quantity of applied research taking place,” Welch said.
Dr. Sharon Paynter, ECU’s chief innovation and engagement officer and interim chief research officer, remarked on the broader impact of the university’s research activities.
“Research and innovation transform lives and communities,” Paynter said. “And it is your contributions that have brought us to this moment.”
Celebrating Excellence
Dr. Joseph Houmard, professor of kinesiology, received one of the ceremony’s top honors, the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Research and Creative Activity. Houmard was recognized for three decades of contributions to exercise physiology and metabolic health.
Dr. Archana Hegde stands for recognition as a recipient of the Order of the Anchor.
Over his career at ECU, Houmard has secured more than $16 million in grant funding and published over 200 peer-reviewed papers, which have been cited more than 30,000 times. He also played a key role in establishing the interdisciplinary doctoral program in bioenergetics and exercise science and the East Carolina Diabetes and Obesity Institute.
Dr. Jeff McKinnon, professor of biology, received the Scholarship of Engagement Award for his significant contributions to environmental conservation and public education. McKinnon’s work focuses on the biodiversity crisis and bridging the gap between science and the public.
His collaborations with the Reef Environmental Education Foundation and the development of wildlife identification tools have empowered students and communities to participate in marine conservation efforts. Additionally, McKinnon’s book, “Our Ancient Lakes: A Natural History,” has raised awareness about the ecological and cultural significance of ancient lake ecosystems.
Dr. Rachel Gittman, an associate professor of biology in the Coastal Studies program, was awarded the 5-Year Research Achievement Award. Since joining ECU in 2018, Gittman has secured over $2 million in external funding and published 28 peer-reviewed articles. Her research on living shorelines has influenced both policy and restoration efforts worldwide, enhancing coastal resilience.
Honoring Top Contributors
The Excellence in Research Administration Award honors research administrators for their vital role in advancing the university’s research productivity. These professionals support all stages of the research process, from securing funding to ensuring compliance, promoting a strong and efficient research culture. This year’s winners were Annette Alligood, university program specialist for the College of Health and Human Performance, and Gaelle Deshayes, director of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee and university program specialist for the Department of Comparative Medicine in the Brody School of Medicine.
The Order of the Anchor, a new honor recognizing faculty who secured over $1 million in grant funding in a single year, was awarded to 45 researchers who collectively brought in more than $153 million between 2020 and 2024. Dr. Mary Farwell, assistant vice chancellor for research development, praised these faculty members as “true anchors of research excellence and innovation.”
The Trendsetter Awards celebrated faculty leaders who not only excel in research and creative activities but also inspire their peers through knowledge-sharing, mentorship and campuswide initiatives. This year’s recipients included:
- Dr. Loni Crumb, associate professor of interdisciplinary professions
- Dr. Karlene Cunningham, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral medicine
- Dr. Robert Hughes, associate professor of chemistry
- Dr. Yong-Qing Li, professor of physics
- Dr. Linda May, professor of kinesiology
- Dr. Ciprian Popoviciu, assistant professor of technology systems
- Dr. Samuel Sears, professor of psychology
- Dr. Chandra Speight, assistant professor of advanced nursing practice and education
- Dr. Swati Surkar, assistant professor of physical therapy
The evening also celebrated University Inventors who have made significant contributions to ECU’s innovation ecosystem.
- Dr. Stefan Clemens from physiology was recognized for a new patent addressing restless legs syndrome.
- Dr. Todd Watkins from the School of Dental Medicine was honored for a patent that enhances assessments of non-cognitive, physical and communication skills to reduce dropout rates.
- Dr. Jo Anne Balanay from health education and promotion and Dr. Sinan Sousan from public health developed “Temper,” a heat stress app based on wet bulb globe temperature, which was featured on the Weather Channel.
- Dr. Emily Yeager from recreation sciences, along with her team, created the Blue Economy Corridor (BEC). The BEC fosters collaboration among local communities, businesses and policymakers to support the $2.5 trillion blue economy. The certification trademark for the BEC helps identify and promote assets that drive sustainable economic growth in coastal regions.
In addition to recent patent recipients, Dr. Kori Brewer from emergency medicine and Dr. Mark Mannie from microbiology and immunology were recognized as National Academy of Inventors (NAI) senior members. ECU now has a growing number of senior members among the 715 affiliated with over 100 NAI member institutions worldwide.
Drs. Andrew Stuart and Joseph Kalinowski were selected as in-memoriam members of NAI for their creation of SpeechEasy, a device that provides a solution for millions of individuals who stutter.
Paynter emphasized the far-reaching impact of ECU’s innovations.
“Each of their contributions not only advances our university’s mission but also drives progress in industries, enriches communities and impacts individual lives around the world,” she said.
The Engagement and Outreach Scholars Academy (EOSA) highlighted ECU’s commitment to community-engaged research. Drs. Michael Daniels, Kelley Reinsmith-Jones, Sarah Maness and Lindsey Oakes were recognized for their current projects with community partners.
Future Focus
In closing, Dr. Chris Buddo, interim provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs, expressed optimism for ECU’s future.
“As we wrap up this year’s Research and Scholarship Award celebration, I am deeply inspired by the incredible contributions our faculty make — not only to their students and disciplines but also to the groundbreaking solutions they provide to the world’s most pressing challenges,” he said.
“Your work is at the heart of our mission and propels our ascent as a top-tier research institution. With our new R1 status, we are poised to unlock even greater potential for discovery and innovation on our campus,” said Buddo.