Dr. Rafael Hernández is a Distinguished Professor Award Recipient for the Eminent Faculty Awards in 2026.
UL Lafayette honors members of EIL with faculty excellence in research, innovation, and mentorship
Wed, 03/18/2026 - 9:56am
We are proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our faculty, whose dedication to advancing research, fostering innovation, and mentoring the next generation continues to elevate our center’s impact. Their recognition in the Fiscal Year 2024–2025 Faculty Excellence in Research, Innovation, and Mentorship awards highlights not only individual accomplishments, but also our shared commitment to meaningful progress and a collaborative, forward-thinking academic community. The honors below showcase the breadth of talent and leadership across our faculty, reflecting the many ways they contribute to excellence within our research collaboratory.
Research Excellence Award
Recognizing those who have demonstrated exceptional scholarship in their respective academic colleges.
Dr. Vijaya Gopu
Outstanding Doctoral Student Mentor
Recognizing those who have shown exceptional productivity in the support of the education of doctoral students in their respective colleges.
Dr. Terrence Chambers
Achievement in Externally Funded Research
Recognizing those who have been awarded externally sponsored projects in an amount of $500,000 to $1 million during the Fiscal Year 2024.
Dr. Terrence Chambers
Dr. Peng Yin
Dr. Vijaya Gopu
Dr. Mark E. Zappi
Dr. Ling Fei
Outstanding Achievement in Innovation
Recognizing those actively involved in advancing the University’s innovations through granted patents during the Fiscal Year 2024.
Dr. Farzad Ferdowsi
Dr. Mark E. Zappi
Mr. William E. Holmes
Dr. Rafael Hernandez
Dr. William Chirdon
Mid-Career Faculty Fellow
Recognizing those who have completed the Mid-Career Faculty Fellow Award program.
Dr. Yin Feng
Dr. Mehdi Mokhtari
We congratulate all of our award recipients on this well-deserved recognition and thank them for their continued contributions to our mission. Their excellence sets a strong foundation for future impact and inspires our entire community to strive for even greater achievements.