USD Faculty Recognized for Research and Mentorship
In the Mother Hill Rosalie Reading Room, the past and future of USD research were on display — not just as a reflection of scholarly achievement, but as a signal of the university’s accelerating investment in research growth. As USD builds toward a 30% increase in research activity by 2030, events like this mark a shift from recognition to scale.
The Office of Sponsored Programs and the Copley Library hosted the Research and Scholarly Achievement Awards, an annual event that highlights the work being done by thought leaders across campus to advance their fields and expand research opportunities at USD.
More than a celebration, the event reflects a deliberate effort to build the infrastructure, incentives, and culture required to grow USD’s research enterprise. Over the past year, the university has surpassed $20 million in annual research awards—an all-time high—and is aligning recognition, support systems, and faculty development to sustain that momentum.
“Some of you are pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge, others are helping develop new ways of understanding humanity and its challenges,” Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs James Antony, PhD, told the crowd. “Many of you are exploring questions that most might not even realize are crucial to ask. All of you are advancing our world through your work.”
The reception featured work published by faculty members throughout the last year, giving professors from all over USD a look at what they’re peers had accomplished.
"The event is a reaffirmation and recognition of the faculty's hard work and dedication to not just their own research interests, but to the broader USD community and to our students. It is a space where we can celebrate and motivate each other on our journey and continue to do what we do best,” Vice Provost for Research and Administration Truc Ngo, PhD, said.
Beyond spotlighting the published work of the last year, the event served as an opportunity to recognize faculty members for their role in growing research at USD.
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Outstanding Undergraduate Research Mentor Awards
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Chad Kishimoto, PhD, Associate Professor, Physics and Biophysics, College of Arts and Sciences
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Joan Schellinger, PhD, Associate Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Arts and Sciences
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Rebekah Wanic, PhD, Assistant Professor, Psychological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences
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Office of the Provost Research and Scholarly Achievement Award
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Odesma Dalrymple, PhD, Professor, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering
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Maren Mossman, PhD, Clare Boothe Luce Assistant Professor of Physics, College of Arts and Sciences
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Colin Campbell, PhD, Associate Professor, Marketing, Knauss School of Business
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New Faculty Submitter (Submission of Grant Proposal in First Year as Faculty)
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Md Nafee Al Islam, PhD, Assistant Professor, Computer Science, Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering
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Yessica Green Rosas, PhD, Assistant Professor, Psychological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences
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Million Dollar Club (Those Who Brought in $1 Million in External Funding)
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Nicole Danos, PhD, Associate Professor, Biology, College of Arts and Sciences
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Sean Green, PhD, Assistant Dean for Innovation and Community Engagement, School of Leadership and Education Sciences
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Ramiro J. Frausto, MA, Associate Dean for Institute of College Initiatives
Also recognized was Theresa Byrd, EdD, dean of the University Library, who was given a lifetime achievement award. Byrd, who transformed the Copley Library over her time at USD, is retiring this August, and was described Tuesday as a “fierce advocate for libraries, and all that they represent.”
“This isn’t just about celebrating what’s been done,” Associate Provost for Academic Strategy and Growth Austin Choi-Fitzpatrick, PhD, said. “It’s about building the conditions for what comes next—stronger support for faculty, expanded opportunities for students, and a research enterprise that can operate at a higher level of scale and impact.”