04/29/2026
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.
