Creating Research Excellence

At UH, we have pursued 88 years of excellence through the creation of knowledge in natural sciences, social sciences, mathematics, engineering, technology, architecture, optometry, pharmacy, arts, writing, music, public policy, law and business policy. This research magazine exemplifies many of those outstanding achievements.

I would like to thank Dr. Rathindra Bose for outstanding leadership as the institution experienced dramatic growth in research and technology transfer — becoming the powerhouse for innovation and gaining national recognition for the same. The recent “Connections” award by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) in recognition of the innovation ecosystem fostered at UH, and the growth of the Energy Research Park are testaments to the transformation the University has undergone in a short period.

Research at UH is focused on critical areas of national, regional and local issues and targeted to globally impact human health, the arts and energy. A case in point is the concentration on developing new strategies to transform cancer treatment and intervention highlighted in this issue through the outstanding research of Drs. Rathindra Bose, Shaun Zhang and Preethi Gunaratne.

Additionally, the growth of an outstanding faculty is critical for continued excellence– we welcome our newest member of the national academies — Dr. Christine Economides (NAE). We acknowledge the latest fellow inductees of the National Academy of Inventors — Drs. Allan Jacobson and Richard Willson (NAI). We also offer our congratulations to the latest winners of the UH Awards for Excellence in Research, Scholarship or Creative Activity — Drs. Bruno Breitmeyer, Dan Graur, Candice Alfano, Zhu Han, Christy Mag Uidhir and Daniel Frigo. Our special recognition goes to Dr. David Ashley White for his outstanding contribution to music and being named the 2015 Esther Farfel award recipient.

Furthermore, we celebrate the continued excellence of the Office of Intellectual Property Management, the growth of the student entrepreneur talent pool and the creation of the innovation center focused on developing an environment to grow this important aspect of the academy.

I am so fortunate to work with these and other distinguished scholars, students and research staff at UH who have earned and contributed to the national and international recognitions.

Ramanan Krishnamoorti

Acting Vice Chancellor for Research and Technology Transfer, University of Houston System
Acting Vice President for Research and Technology Transfer, University of Houston