MinerAlert
MinerAlert
Honorific awards comprise prestigious recognitions, fellowships, and memberships in national honor societies and national academies that acknowledge the outstanding contributions and achievements of faculty members in their respective fields. These awards can also be internal, conferred by Research & Innovation, recognizing their impact across UTEP’s research enterprise.
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Dr. James Li
Innovation thrives at the intersection of research and impact, and Dr. James Li exemplifies this alliance. As a professor in the College of Science and the recipient of the 2025 R&I Award for Established Innovator, Dr. Li has made significant contributions through his pioneering work in biotechnology, nanotechnology, and microfluidic lab-on-a-chip bioanalysis. His efforts have led to the development of low-cost detection devices for early cancer detection and rapid diagnosis of infectious diseases, garnering substantial media attention. Dr. Li's vision is clear: “We want to make our devices accessible to everyone because cost should not be a barrier to healthcare,” he says. His approach integrates research, entrepreneurship, medical collaboration, and industry partnerships to ensure life-saving innovations reach those in need, enhancing UTEP's reputation for public interest contributions.
Dr. Yun-Pil Shim
For Dr. Yun-Pil Shim, curiosity is the driving force behind his groundbreaking work in quantum computing. An assistant professor in the College of Science, Dr. Shim's journey into this field began at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he was drawn to the elegance of mathematics and its potential to revolutionize technology. Now in his fifth year at UTEP, Dr. Shim has been honored with the R&I Early Career Innovator Award for 2025. Reflecting on this achievement, he says: “This award is a surprise and a great motivation. It validates the importance of theoretical research and encourages me to keep moving forward.” Dr. Shim's dedication to theoretical research is a testament to the importance of academic pursuit in advancing our understanding of the world.
Dr. Skye Fortier
A lifelong fascination with nuclear energy sparked Dr. Skye Fortier’s journey into heavy-metal catalysis. Now an associate professor in the College of Science, Dr. Fortier focuses on assembling complex molecules using heavy metals like uranium to drive chemical reactions and create powerful catalysts. His passion for nuclear energy and its potential applications in chemistry is palpable. “Catalysts are used in many important chemical processes,” Fortier explains. “From the production of plastics to life-saving pharmaceuticals, they make modern chemistry possible. And because uranium is abundant and understudied, there’s a tremendous opportunity to unlock new applications.” At UTEP, Fortier has significantly advanced our understanding of chemistry, secured millions in research funding, and mentored future scientists, earning him the 2025 R&I Outstanding Researcher – Mid-Career Award.
Dr. Maria Duarte-Gardea
Research as a means to improve lives defines Dr. Maria Duarte-Gardea’s career. A professor in the College of Health Sciences, Dr. Duarte-Gardea’s focus is on nutrition and chronic disease prevention, particularly in the Borderplex region. “Diabetes is common across our population,” she reflects. “But through education and intervention, we can improve health outcomes.” Her background as a registered dietitian, combined with her expertise in food chemical engineering and nutrition, exemplifies her commitment to community empowerment. Her work and mentorship have earned her recognition as one of the 2025 R&I Outstanding Researcher – Distinguished Career Award recipients. “This award is not just about me—it’s about the students I’ve mentored, the colleagues I’ve worked alongside, and the communities we’ve served,” she says.
Dr. Josiah Heyman
For Dr. Josiah Heyman, the borderlands represent more than just a geographical region; they are the foundation of his life’s work. As a professor in the College of Liberal Arts and director of the Center for Inter-American and Border Studies, Dr. Heyman’s research is deeply rooted in fieldwork, characterized by long-term engagement with borderland communities. Reflecting on his journey, he notes: “It has given me my career; I have an enormous debt to the people of the borderlands.” His scholarly contributions emphasize the interconnectedness of cultures and communities, a dynamic that continues to shape his research. In recognition of his sustained impact, Dr. Heyman was named one of the recipients of the 2025 R&I Outstanding Researcher – Distinguished Career Award.
Dr. Julien Chaput
Driven by curiosity and a sense of adventure, Dr. Julien Chaput’s geophysical research spans the globe—from Antarctica to New Mexico's super caldera. As an assistant professor in the College of Science, he collaborates with students on seismic research funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). One notable project involves imaging the massive caldera in New Mexico to locate magma bodies. “The caldera is so large, you don’t even realize you’re standing in it,” Chaput explains. His innovative research and dedication to student success have earned him the 2025 R&I Rising Researcher Award in STEM: Physical Science & Engineering.
Dr. Michael Harvey
Exploring biodiversity through the lens of avian science, Dr. Michael Harvey uncovers insights into environmental health. As an assistant professor in the College of Science, Dr. Harvey combines natural history collections, cutting-edge DNA sequencing technologies, and advanced computational tools for big data analysis. His research primarily focuses on bird diversity. “We study birds because they’re a great litmus test,” Dr. Harvey explains. “They’re a great indicator of what’s going on with the health of the environment.” In recognition of his early-career achievements and his potential for continued excellence in research, scholarship, and creative activity, Dr. Harvey was honored with the 2025 R&I Rising Research Award in STEM: Life Science & Engineering.
Dr. Adriana Dominguez
The transformative power of theater shapes Dr. Adriana Dominguez’s approach to scholarship and community engagement. An assistant professor in the College of Liberal Arts, Dr. Dominguez first discovered theater’s ability to “reinforce that magic that you can’t explain” at a young age. This passion led her to pursue a doctorate and return to UTEP, where she has become a prominent community-engaged theatre-maker. Reflecting on her role, Dr. Dominguez emphasizes the interconnectedness of artistic practice and scholarly impact, highlighting her significant contributions to the community. In recognition of her early career achievements and potential for continued advancement, she was honored with the 2025 R&I Rising Researcher Award in Arts, Humanities, and Education.
Dr. Yong Qin
Blending innovation with compassion, Dr. Yong Qin’s research aims to enhance cancer patient outcomes through therapeutic development and translational science. An assistant professor in the School of Pharmacy at UTEP, Dr. Qin’s work addresses cancer disparities while integrating cutting-edge science with a commitment to community health. Reflecting on his journey, he shares: “If you do cancer research, you will always have a miracle.” Inspired by his mentor, Dr. Laurence Hurley, Dr. Qin pursued a career dedicated to advancing patient care and influencing clinical practice. His forward-thinking approach earned him the R&I Rising Researcher – UTEP Health Award, recognizing his potential for sustained impact in the field.
