OSU recognizes faculty for research excellence

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Front row (left to right): Barbara Stoecker, Carey Pope, Rathindra Sarathy, and Garey Fox. Second row (left to right): Allen Apblett, Weili Zhang, and Edward Jones.

Oklahoma State University has honored seven faculty with the 2015 Regents Distinguished Research Award. Recipients are selected based on evidence of outstanding and meritorious research achievements and are recognized nationally and internationally in their fields of study. The winners were honored at the 2015 Convocation December 1.

The winners:

Allen Apblett, professor of chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences

Apblett’s research focuses on the application of inorganic chemistry, catalysis, and nanotechnology to challenges faced by our society in the areas of protection of the environment, improvements in industrial processes, development of advanced materials, and homeland security.

Garey Fox, professor and Buchanan Endowed Chair in Biosystems Engineering, Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

Fox investigates the processes involving the transport of sediment, nutrients, and pathogens via both surface and subsurface pathways. His team has developed methods to improve our understanding of how seepage and preferential flow contributes to streambank erosion and affects water quality.

Edward Jones, Regents Professor, Department of English, College of Arts and Sciences

Jones’ research revolves around the life and work of English scholar John Milton. His interest focuses on historical documents, including uncovering manuscripts from the 1600s to increase knowledge and interest in Milton’s life.

Carey Pope, Regents Professor and Sitlington Chair in Toxicology, Center for Veterinary Health Sciences

Pope’s research focuses on the neurotoxicity of organophosphate compounds (OPs) with the goal of understanding the complex interactions of OPs with acetylcholinesterase and non-acetylcholinesterase target biomolecules for development of therapeutic strategies against OP intoxication.

Rathindra Sarathy, professor of management science and information systems, Spears School of Business

Sarathy investigates the development of theory, techniques, and measures relating to the protection of confidential numerical data within the larger fields of data security and statistical databases. His research has shown it is possible to protecting data while retaining its usefulness, a long held belief.

Barbara Stoecker, Regents Professor and Marilynn Thoma Chair in Human Sciences, College of Human Sciences

Stoecker work has concentrated on micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries. The focus of her research has been iodine other nutritional deficiencies, which have afforded her the opportunity to work with populations throughout the world. She has been particularly interested in making recommendations to governments and organizations to affect policies involving nutrition.

Weili Zhang, professor of computer and electrical engineering, College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology

Zhang investigates cutting-edge and strategically important areas of terahertz plasmonics and metamaterials, fields important to ultrafast semiconductors and materials of unconventional properties.