University of Houston professor Stuart Long has been named UH’s associate dean of undergraduate research and of The Honors College, effective Sept. 1.

“I am pleased to have the opportunity to be involved with the campuswide efforts in undergraduate research. The present programs give UH students a unique opportunity to learn first hand about academic research by teaming with our faculty and graduate students,” said Long, professor of electrical and computer engineering and associate dean for educational activities in the Cullen College of Engineering.

“My goal is to increase the number of students being supported in these activities and to make these programs even more accessible to a broader set of our students,” he said. “It is one area in which the university could distinguish itself from other schools and ultimately use these programs as a recruiting tool to help us attract additional students to UH.”

Long’s appointment was announced by Donald J. Foss, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, at Wednesday’s Faculty Staff meeting.

“Dr. Long has a highly successful track record of mentoring undergraduates in his own laboratory and, more broadly, of attracting funds and developing programs in support of undergraduate research,” Foss said. “Adding to the already rich opportunities for students to participate in research is a university priority, and I am delighted that a person with Dr. Long’s experience will be leading this effort.”

Long will fill the position vacant after the departure of Scott Perry, who recently joined the University of Florida faculty.

Long joined the university faculty in 1974. Since then, he has served as the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering chairman and as the college’s associate dean. Additionally,
he teaches a variety of undergraduate and graduate level classes in applied electromagnetics, and he has received numerous teaching excellence awards. Those honors include UH’s Halliburton Award of Excellence, the University Teaching Excellence Award, the Engineering Alumni Association's 1992 Distinguished Faculty Award, the college’s Senior Research Award and the Fluor-Daniel Faculty Excellence Award.

His research with his colleagues in the applied electromagnetics research group has focused on antenna design and wireless communications. Long’s recruiting and retention efforts in the engineering college include separate summer programs for high school girls, high school math and science teachers and undergraduates from other universities. His work also supports a series of workshops for sophomore-level engineering courses to aid in the retention of UH students.

The Office of Undergraduate Research is charged with the task of organizing, facilitating and enhancing opportunities for undergraduate research. Although housed in The Honors College, the office serves undergraduates from all colleges and disciplines.

Francine Parker
fparker@central.uh.edu