ECU recognizes research, creative success

Science and art and the people who pursue it were the focus March 4 during the university’s annual Research and Creative Activity Week.

Joseph Houmard, professor of kinesiology, received the Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence in Research and Creative Activity. (Read more about him and the new Order of the Anchor)

Jeff McKinnon, professor of biology, received the Scholarship of Engagement Award for his contributions to environmental conservation and public education. His work focuses on the biodiversity crisis and bridging the gap between science and the public.

Rachel Gittman, an associate professor of biology and research assistant scientist at the Coastal Studies Institute, received the Five-Year Research Achievement Award. Since joining ECU in 2018, Gittman has secured more than $2 million in external funding and published 28 peer-reviewed articles. Her research on living shorelines has influenced policy and restoration efforts worldwide to boost coastal resilience.

The Excellence in Research Administration Award honored research administrators for their vital role in advancing the university’s research productivity. Recipients 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 Trendsetter Awards celebrated faculty leaders who excel in research and creative activities and inspire their peers through knowledge-sharing, mentorship and campuswide initiatives. This year’s recipients were Loni Crumb, associate professor of interdisciplinary professions; Karlene Cunningham, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral medicine; Robert Hughes, associate professor of chemistry; Yong-Qing Li, professor of physics; Linda May, professor of kinesiology; Ciprian Popoviciu, assistant professor of technology systems; Samuel Sears, professor of psychology; Chandra Speight, assistant professor of advanced nursing practice and education; and Swati Surkar, assistant professor of physical therapy.

The event also celebrated the following inventors: Stefan Clemens of physiology, whose patent addresses restless legs syndrome; Dr. Todd Watkins of the School of Dental Medicine, whose patent improves assessments of noncognitive, physical and communication skills to reduce dropout rates; Jo Anne Balanay of health education and promotion and Sinan Sousan of public health, who developed Temper, a heat stress app featured on The Weather Channel; and Emily Yeager of recreation sciences, along with her team, who created the Blue Economy Corridor. The $2.5 trillion blue economy features sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystem.