PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (October 14, 2026) – Through Research and Innovation Success and Excellence (RISE), Prairie View A&M University is supporting over 90 research projects in fiscal year 2026-2027.

Established by Dr. Magesh Rajan, vice president of Research & Innovation, RISE is a two-pronged strategic investment in high-priority areas of research and innovation clusters identified for the University: RISE Undergraduate Research Program and RISE Doctoral Research Assistantship Program.

The initiative supports disciplines that can grow into nationally recognized centers of scholarship and encourages collaboration across fields, while fostering mentorship as students work alongside faculty doing high-impact work.

In FY26-27, RISE is supporting 67 faculty-led undergraduate research projects and 26 doctoral students, from across the University.

The RISE doctoral awardees are: 

  • Lin Gong, assistant professor, College of Engineering
  • Bridgett Tate, assistant professor, College of Arts and Sciences
  • Annamalai Annamalai, professor, College of Engineering
  • Victoria Mgbemena, associate professor, College of Arts and Sciences
  • Fred Bonner, endowed professor, College of Education
  • Jerrel Moore, assistant professor, College of Education
  • Seungchan Kim, chief scientist and executive professor, College of Engineering
  • Anthony Hill, assistant professor, College of Engineering
  • Mohamed Chouikha, chief scientist and executive professor, College of Engineering
  • Siew T. Koay, professor, College of Engineering
  • Justin Foreman, associate professor, College of Engineering
  • Andrea McDonald, associate professor, School of Public and Allied Health
  • Avra Bandyopadhyay, assistant professor, College of Engineering
  • Akshay Kulkarni, assistant professor, College of Engineering
  • Cajetan Akujuobi, professor, College of Engineering
  • Serita Whiting, assistant professor, College of Public Affairs and Societal Impact
  • Lujun Zhai, research assistant professor, College of Engineering
  • Yonghui Wang, associate professor, College of Engineering
  • Emmanuel Opara, professor, College of Business

Their projects cover artificial intelligence, advanced technologies, health and wellness, environmental sustainability, education, and community engagement.  

That range means Panthers in nearly every field at PVAMU can find their unique entry into the field of research.

RISE provides Panthers with hands-on research experience, mentorship, and professional development, accelerating their career advancement while contributing to PVAMU’s research mission as a Carnegie R2 institution.

By Christine Won