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RESEARCH CAPABILITIES AND RESEARCH INTERESTS
Table of Contents
GREETINGS AND WELCOME – VICE PRESIDENT 2
FOR RESEARCH AND DEAN, GRADUATE STUDIES
2010–2014 PARTNERS at a GLANCE 3
COLLEGE of AGRICULTURE and HUMAN SCIENCES 4
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE 12
MARVIN D. and JUNE SAMUEL BRAILSFORD 14
COLLEGE of ARTS and SCIENCES
COLLEGE of BUSINESS 21
WHITLOWE R. GREEN COLLEGE of EDUCATION 25
ROY G. PERRY COLLEGE of ENGINEERING 28
COLLEGE of JUVENILE JUSTICE and PSYCHOLOGY 33
COLLEGE of NURSING 36
Research and Graduate Studies 38
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2010-2014 Partners at a Glance
PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY
SAMPLING OF RESEARCH AND SPONSORED PROGRAM PARTNERS
FEDERAL
$112,886,486
USDA-National Institute of
Food and Agri
USDA - Rural Development
Department of Commerce
Economic Development
Administration
Department of Energy
National Nuclear Security
Administration
Department of Defense
Army Research Office Naval
Undersea Warfare Center
Department of
Transportation-Federal
Highway
Health Resources and
Service Administration
Department of Education
Title III, Part B
SBGI
SAFRA
Department of Justice
National Institute of Health-
HBCU-UP
Department of Health and
Human Services
Department of Homeland
Security
National Endowment for the
Humanities
Nuclear Regulatory
Commission
STATE OF TEXAS
$42,013,961
Texas State Legislative
(Appropriations for the
Agricultural Programs)
Texas AgriLife Extension
Travis County Extension
Texas AgriLife Research
Texas Higher Education
Coordinating Board
Texas Engineering
Experiment Station
Texas State Library and
Archives Commission
Office of the Attorney
General
Office of Governor-
Criminal Justice
Department of State
Health Services
PUBLIC SECTOR
$8,215,196
Howard University
Alabama A&M University
National 4-H Council
University of Georgia
University of Houston
Baylor College of Medicine
Corporation for Public
Broadcasting
Memorial Hermann Hospital
University of Texas–Austin
University of Texas–
M.D. Anderson
Iowa State University
Lockheed Martin Space
Operations
Science Application
International Corporation
Universal Tech Corporation
United Space Alliance
Texas Instruments
Jacobs Sverdrup
Northrop Grumman
PRIVATE SECTOR
$3,340,568
Houston Livestock Show
and Rodeo
United Negro College Fund
Welch Foundation
Bernard Harris Foundation
National Collegiate Athletic
Association
Texas A&M Research
Foundation
L3 National Security
Solutions
Thurgood Marshall
McFarland and Associaties
Greetings & Welcome
Prof. Cajetan M. Akujuobi, M.B.A., Ph.D.E.E.
Vice President for Research and Dean, Graduate Studies
As Vice President for Research and Dean, Graduate Studies I encourage you to peruse the contents of the
Research Capabilities and Research Interests booklet to explore the research teaming possibilities, corporate
program opportunities and service capabilities that exist at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), and how these
competencies may benefit your company. Research at PVAMU provides a portal to discovering new knowledge,
advancing scholarship, and propelling economic development.
PVAMU’s land-grant heritage and our many years of research history position us well for today’s great research
challenges – Cyber Security, radiation studies, signal/image/video and communication systems, wavelet-
based applications, nanotechnology and biotechnology, health & educational disparities, evolutionary biology,
computational science … energy and the environment … and many more. The research work extends beyond
the traditional disciplines of engineering and agriculture, into areas including biomedical research, leadership
development, and the social and behavioral sciences. The scope of research activities across PVAMU influences
and enriches the lives of the citizens of the state of Texas, the nation and the world.
On behalf of the Office of Research and Graduate Studies, I thank the planning committee and the faculty and staff
whose contributions made this very first “PVAMU Research Capabilities Booklet” possible. We are proud of the
quality of the education and research of Prairie View A&M University; and inspired by the capabilities, achievements
and innovativeness of our students, graduates, faculty, and staff.
Yours Sincerely,
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College of Agriculture
and Human Sciences
The college offers a diverse curriculum to students through its Department of Agriculture, Nutrition and Human Ecology programs.
Students are prepared to respond effectively to complex social issues relating to the food, agricultural, human and natural resource
sciences.
Research Centers
The Cooperative Agricultural Research Center (CARC) is the unit within the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences that
plays an important role in agriculture, natural resources and life sciences. The CARC component helps Prairie View A&M University
fulfill its land-grant mission of teaching, research and service.
Agricultural research in the Cooperative Agricultural Research Center is divided into the following areas: Animal Systems, Plant
Systems, Food Systems, Natural Resources and Environmental Systems, and Social Systems and Allied Research.
The International Goat Research Center (IGRC), built in 1981, is currently the home for over 1,000 dairy and meat goats. The
Center is one of the largest and longest established goat research programs in the country. The Goat Research Center specializes
in research in the areas of genetics, reproductive physiology, nutrition and veterinary health. Research projects currently ongoing at
the Center address value-added products from goat milk to goat meat.
In addition to supporting the research and academic programs at Prairie View A&M University, the International Goat Research
Center is very active in the Cooperative Extension Program’s public outreach programs, hosting open houses, field days and 4-H
events throughout the year.
College of Agriculture and Human Sciences
current research
Addo, Kwaku, PhD
Agriculture, Nutrition and
Human Ecology
Disciplinary Field:
Food Science
Research Interest: Human Sciences
Current Sponsored Program: Increasing Student Enrollment in the College of Agriculture and
Human Sciences
Current Project Outcome Expectations: Empower the 4-H and Youth Development program
to engage limited-resource communities and assist the youth with appropriate life and career
choices in agriculture and human sciences; Develop an academic outreach program to
increase student enrollment in agriculture and human sciences; Implement strategies to retain
students in the CAHS.
Ampin, Peter A. Y., PhD
Cooperative Agricultural
Research Center
Disciplinary Field:
Weed Science
Research Interest: Plant Science/Environmental Science
Current Research I: Medicinal plants establishment and genomics, metabolomics,
biochemical characterization of their anti-obesity and anti-diabetic dietary constituents
Current Project I Outcome Expectations: Identify good agricultural practices for growing and
processing Lippia dulcis and Hoodia gordonii species on a large scale; isolate and purify the
natural sweetener in Lippia and the appetite suppressant in Hoddia in addition to identifying
elite varieties and identifying marketing channels for these plants and their products and
introducing them to limited resource farmers in Texas
Current Research II: Increasing grower market potential and consumer preference for locally
grown strawberries through strategic extension programming in Texas (Collaboration between
AgriLife Extension and PVAMU)
Current Project II Outcome Expectations: Provide information on the economics of
producing strawberries in Texas
Current Research III: Developing New and Beginning Farmers and Ranchers using the Model
Farm Concept
Current Project III Outcome Expectations: Provide producers with the necessary skills in
the areas of production, business management and marketing to enable them develop and
maintain successful and sustainable farming and ranching operations.
include book chapters (2), journal articles (3) extension articles (2), and 34 abstracts.
Awal, Ripendra, PhD
CARC
Disciplinary Field:
Civil and Earth Resources
Engineering
Research Interest: Civil Engineering - Watershed modeling; water related hazards (flood,
landslide, debris flow, erosion); natural and artificial dam failure; climate change; GIS/RS;
agricultural water management. Agricultural Engineering;
Environmental Sciences - Atmospheric
Current Research: Impact of anthropogenic and natural changes on natural resources and the
environment.
Project Outcome Expectations: Development of an integrated research approach at the
watershed continuum by combining multi-scale field experiments with a strong numerical
modeling and GIS and remotely sensed technology to enhance our understanding of
watershed hydrological processes as a result of variation of different controlling parameters,
i.e., land use (reforest/deforestation, brush management, agricultural use, urbanization),
extreme weather conditions (drought, flooding) and climate change.
Carson, Laura E., PhD
CARC
Disciplinary Field:
Polymer Chemistry
Research Interest: Physical Science; Bioengineering/Biomedical Physical Science
Current Research: Medicinal plant establishment and genomics, metabolomics, and
biochemical characterization of their anti-obesity and anti-diabetic dietary constituents.
Project Outcome Expectations: Identify components present in Lippia dulcis and Hoodia
gordonii species when grown under varied conditions.
Current Project II: Capacity Building in the Agricultural Sciences
Project Outcome Expectations: Strengthen collaborative efforts with USDA Research Center
while engaging Agriculture students in hypothesis driven research activities.
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College of Agriculture and Human Sciences
current research
Fares, Ali, PhD
CARC
Disciplinary Field:
Hydrology and Soil Science
Research Interest: Agricultural Science; Water Management; Biological Sciences;
Environment and Natural Resources; Agricultural Engineering
Current Research: Impact of anthropogenic and natural changes on natural resources and the
environment.
Project Outcome Expectations: Develop an integrated research approach at the watershed
continuum by combining multi-scale field experiments with a strong numerical modeling, GIS,
and remotely sensed technology to enhance our understanding of watershed hydrological
processes as a result of variation of different controlling parameters, i.e., land use (reforest/
deforestation, brush management, agricultural use, urbanization), extreme weather conditions
(drought, flooding) and climate change.
Foxworth, William B., PhD
CARC - International Goat
Research Center (IGRC)
Disciplinary Field:
Veterinary Physiology
Research Interest: Reproductive Physiology; Reproductive biology – characterize and resolve
the early regression of the goat (Capra hircus) corpus luteum, enhance cryopreservation
techniques for goat semen and develop a transgenic goat facility for the production of novel
proteins and animal models
Current Research: Sustainable Goat Production Practices for Texas and the Gulf Coast
Current Project Outcome Expectations: To advance the science of goat production and
use this information to improve the livelihoods of the people in Texas, the Gulf Coast region
and developing countries abroad. Long-term goals are to: a) provide recommendations for
sustainable forage based production and management systems, b) make limited resource
farmers and ranchers aware of the financial benefits of proper breeding and reproductive
management, and c) provide students in the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences
experiential learning experiences in the animal sciences and biotechnology. These goals will
be facilitated by the activities outlined in this Integrated Program Project. The collaborative
efforts of IGRC staff are contained within three main research focus areas: 1) Pasture based
production strategies for the Texas Gulf Coast, 2) Increasing the efficiency of artificial
insemination and embryo transfer, and 3) Decision support systems for goat dairy enterprises.
Gao, Ming, PhD
CARC
Disciplinary Field:
Plant Physiology
Research Interest: Plant Genomics; Plant molecular physiology; genetics; genomics; breeding
Current Research: Development of Genomic Resources and Tools for Advancing Sweet-
potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) Genomics.
Current Project Outcome Expectations: A joint research project aimed at extending an
on-going collaborative effort in development of essential sweet-potato genomic resources
and tools. Co-PI, Dr. Keithanne Mockaitis at Indiana University. The project will also establish
essential research capacity in plant genomics in the College of Agriculture and Human
Sciences, Prairie View A&M University.
Specific objectives are to: 1) Establish deep-coverage EST collections that represent
comprehensive transcriptomes of sweet-potato and its diploid (I. tenuissima) and tetraploid (I.
littoralis) progenitors by extending an ongoing effort in deep sequencing of transcriptomes of
the three species; 2) Develop a novel homoeolog-allele-specific SNP molecular marker system
and a high-throughput genotyping method for future genome-wide association mapping
and MAB; 3) Identify candidate genes involved in the formation of sweet-potato storage
roots through comparative RNAseq transcriptome analyses; 4) Develop a rapid and efficient
Agrobacterium-rhizogenes-mediated root transformation system in the sweet potato and I.
littoralis for targeted root functional genomics studies; 5) Develop an efficient Agrobacterium-
tumefaciens-mediated transformation system in I. littoralis for generating activation-tagged
mutant populations for sweet-potato functional genomics studies; and 6) Establish a mapping
population of the self-compatible I. tenuissima towards developing a reference genetic
map for a diploid constituent genome in the sweet-potato. The successful execution of
the project could build essential genomics research capacity, including limited capability of
second-generation sequencing and bioinformatics, and a plant tissue culture and genetic
transformation laboratory at the college.
College of Agriculture and Human Sciences
current research
Johnson, Barbara M., DVM
CARC/IGRC
Disciplinary Field:
Veterinary Medicine
Research Interest: Medical and Agricultural Sciences
Current Research: Establishing a Novel Livestock Diagnostic Information Delivery System
Project Outcome Expectations: Create a searchable web database related to livestock
diseases to be accessed by extension agents on their mobile devices allowing them the
opportunity to advise farmers on solving problems using a technological approach.
Griffin, Richard W., PhD
CARC/IGRC
Disciplinary Field:
Pedology (Soil Science)
Research Interest: Environmental Science (Soils)
Current Research: Natural Resources and Environmental Systems Research Program
Project Outcome Expectations: Coordination of comprehensive research projects that adhere
closely to the main objective to quantitatively measure, monitor, and record natural resources
and environmental conditions in East Central Texas to accumulate and expand the baseline
data to be used to develop local and regional models that will positively impact and benefit
landowners in rural, suburban, and urban settings along the Texas Gulf Coast Prairie.
Anticipated Results: Production of qualitative and quantitative results that will allow farmers
and ranchers to focus on practices that allow their enterprise to manage natural resources that
will in turn lead to sustainable and cost efficient operation.
James, Annette A., PhD
Agriculture, Nutrition and
Human Ecology
Disciplinary Field:
Crop Production/Agronomy
Research Interest: Plant and Soil Science; Agronomy
Current Research I: The impacts of climate, soil moisture and management on the diversity,
distribution, and primary productivity of plant species in a selected Texas Gulf Coast Prairie
site.
Project Outcome Expectations I: Evaluate the impacts of climate, soil moisture, and
management on the diversity, distribution, and primary productivity of plant species in a
selected Texas Gulf Coast Prairie site; and Develop a baseline for above ground biomass by
using selected biomass cutting schedules.
Current Research II: Evaluation of Three Soil Measurements, Impacts of Four Seedbed
Surfaces and Corresponding Impacts On Germination Rates and Plant Growth of a Specific
Corn
Project Outcome Expectations II: Evaluate soil moisture, soil temperature, and soil density
and their effects on four seedbed surfaces and corresponding impacts on germination rates
and plant growth to the 7thleaf stage of a selected corn variety.
Johnson, Paul M., PhD
CARC
Disciplinary Field:
Environmental Toxicology
Research Interest: Environmental Science
Current Research: A Novel Livestock Information Delivery System
Project Outcome Expectations: Establish a novel livestock information delivery system;
create a searchable web database about livestock diseases; and develop high quality videos
discussing individual livestock diseases.
Anticipated Results: Establish a searchable database of livestock management issues with
a primary species focus on Goats. All Management issues concerning the species will be
uploaded to this database.
Jones, Wash A., PhD
Agriculture, Nutrition and
Human Ecology
Disciplinary Field:
Agricultural Education
Research Interest: Agricultural Education and Leadership
Current Research: Broadening Student Experiences and Expanding their Career Comps
Project Objective(s)/Outcome Expectations: Provide study abroad opportunities
Anticipated Results: Broaden students’ global perspectives through study abroad.
Experience: Selected to Editorial Board for Journal of Diversity in Higher Education, effective
Jan. 2015
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College of Agriculture and Human Sciences
current research
Jung, Yoonsung, PhD
CARC
Disciplinary Field:
Agricultural Education
Research Interest: Statistics; Research design, data analysis, and developing data collection
tools. Functional data analysis, directional dependency
Current Research: Increasing Student Enrollment in the College of Agriculture and Human
Sciences
Project Outcome Expectations: Increase student enrollment and devise a student retention
plan in the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences.
Current Research II: Developing Value-added Caprine Products at PVAMU
Project Outcome Expectations II: Develop value-added caprine products with improved
sensory and nutritional qualities.
Current Research III: Sustainable Goat Production Practices for Texas and the Gulf Coast
Project Outcome Expectations III: Provide recommendations for sustainable forage based
production and management systems; make limited resource farmers and ranchers aware of
the financial benefits of proper breeding and reproductive management; and provide students
in the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences experiential learning experiences in animal
sciences and biotechnology.
Current Research IV: Medical plants establishment and genomics, metabolomics, and
biochemical characterization of their anti-obesity and anti-diabetic dietary constituents
Project Outcome Expectations IV: Deploy multi-disciplinary research activities to: a) establish
medicinal plant garden for finding the best growth conditions for the plants; b) analytical
chemistry laboratory with Fourier-Transform mass spectrometer for the metabolomics research;
c) plant genomics and tissue culture laboratory to unravel the effects of genetic transformation
of the plants on the anti-obesity dietary constituents; d) biochemical analyses to illuminate
molecular responses of the enzymes in Lippia sesquiterpene, and Hoodia steroidal glycoside
metabolism to environmental/genetic changes; e) economics evaluation of the medicinal plants
and educational extension outreach to Texas limited.
Lewis, Shaye K., PhD
CARC/IGRC
Disciplinary Field:
Physiology of Reproduction
Urology/Physiological
Genomics
Research Interest: Physiological and Developmental Genomics; Biomarker development and
comparative genomics
Current Research: Sustainable Goat Production Practices for Texas and the Gulf Coast
Project Outcome Expectations: This is part of the Animal Systems CRIS Project. I contribute
to objective two: Increasing the efficiency of artificial insemination and embryo transfer. My
contribution is under objective 2b titled: Genetic differences that determine semen quality and
freezability.
Mora-Gutierrez, Adela
CARC
Disciplinary Field:
Food Science
Research Interest: Food Chemistry
Current Research: Goat Milk and Derived Dairy Products.
Project Outcome Expectations: Enhancing the commercial value of goat milk and derived
dairy products.
Anticipated Results: Decreasing saturated fat content of goat milk and derived dairy products
and increasing the content of naturally occurring unsaturated fats i.e., conjugated isomers of
linoleic acid (CLA).
Language: Spanish
Experiences: Publications>20; U.S. Patents: 3’ Proposal reviewer>10
Parks, Alfred L., PhD
Agriculture, Nutrition and
Human Ecology
Disciplinary Field:
Agricultural Economics
Research Interest: Agricultural Economics
Current Research: Developing Value-Added Caprine Products
Project Outcome Expectation: Develop consumer acceptable Caprine meat/dairy products.
College of Agriculture and Human Sciences
current research
Newton, Gary R., PhD
CARC/IGRC
Disciplinary Field:
Animal Science; Geology
Research Interest: Reproductive Physiology; Reproductive biology – pregnancy recognition in
capra hircus; increasing the efficiency of AI and embryo transfer.
Current Research: Sustainable Goat Production Practices for Texas and the Gulf Coast
Project Outcome Expectations: The mission of the International Goat Research Center
(IGRC) is to advance the science of goat production and use this information to improve the
livelihoods of the people in Texas, the Gulf Coast region and developing countries abroad.
Long-term goals are to: a) provide recommendations for sustainable forage based production
and management systems, b) make limited resource farmers and ranchers aware of the
financial benefits of proper breeding and reproductive management, and c) provide students in
the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences experiential learning experiences in the animal
sciences and biotechnology. These goals will be facilitated by the activities outlined in this
Integrated Program Project.
The collaborative efforts of IGRC staff are contained within three main research focus areas:
1) Pasture based production strategies for the Texas Gulf Coast, 2) Increasing the efficiency
of artificial insemination and embryo transfer, and 3) Decision support systems for goat dairy
enterprises.
Nuti, Louis C., PhD
CARC/IGRC
Disciplinary Field:
Zoology/Reproductive
Physiology
Research Interest: Reproductive Physiology; Forage development and livestock management
Current Research: Efficacy of Sorghum Flour byproduct as a Parasite Control Substance
Project Outcome Expectations: Examine the antihelmintic properties of sorghum flour.
Riberio, Flavio R. B., PhD
CARC
Disciplinary Field:
Animal Science (Nutrition and
Meat Science)
Research Interest: Animal Science (Nutrition and Meat Science)
Current Research I: Efficacy of Sorghum flour as a feed additive for growth and potential
parasite control.
Project Outcome Expectations I: Determine palatability of sorghum powder, and determine
the anthelmintic properties and nutritive value of sorghum flour.
Current Research II: The impact of body composition in reproductive performance, milk
production and offspring performance in Boer and Alpine goats
Project Outcome Expectations II: Development of parameters of BCS in goats and correlate
that with actual fat content; Development of a technique to assess internal fat in goats;
Development of a model to predict performance of meat and dairy goats; and Investigation of
the differences between goats on pasture vs. supplemented.
Current Research III: Acquisition of Equipment for the Shared Nutrition Research Facility
Project Outcome Expectations III: Purchase a GrowSafe individual feeding system
Current Research IV: Evaluation and Comparison of Growth and Reproductive Performance in
Brangus and Red Brangus Cattle
Project Outcome Expectations IV:
Overall: Evaluate differences in growth and reproductive performance between Brangus and
Red Brangus cattle.
Objectives: 1) Evaluate differences in growth and carcass performance between Brangus, Red
Brangus, and crossbred calves.
2) Evaluate reproductive performance and longevity between Brangus, Red Brangus,
and crossbred females; 3) Examine the relationship between reproductive performance
and longevity and maternal and reproductive traits from DNA genotyping; 4) Examine the
relationship between carcass traits and carcass DNA genotype; 5) Examine the relationship
between temperament scores, udder quality and gestation length and performance traits
in Brangus, Red Brangus, and crossbred cattle; and 6) Examine the relationship between
temperament scores, udder quality and gestation length and DNA genotype results.
7. - 10 - - 11 -
College of Agriculture and Human Sciences
current research
Henry, Jimmy, MCD
Cooperative Extension
Program
Disciplinary Field:
Community Development
Research Interest: Community and Economic Development
Current Sponsored Project: Rural Energy Efficency Training and Outreach Initiative
Project Outcome Expectations: A Cooperative Agreement to encourage (University) to
conduct educational programs that develop and improve upon the professional skills of rural
energy auditors and to provide outreach and promote USDA-Rural Development energy
programs in small rural communities with the greatest economic need.
Anticipated Results: Conduct a scan of recent literature as input into energy audit training
course; Develop energy audit training course;
Provide 15 sessions of the energy audit training course to small, minority and socially
disadvantaged groups in rural communities.
Work with USDA staff to identify programs and projects in the Delta region which require
energy audits, helping to connect potential program participants with these opportunities.
Weerasooriya, Aruna D.,
PhD
CARC
Disciplinary Field:
Plant Systematics
Research Interest: Plant Sciences; Medicinal Plants; Plant Systematics; Plant Ecology;
Horticulture
Current Research: Medicinal plants establishment and genomics, metabolomics, and
biochemical characterization of their anti-obesity and anti-diabetic dietary constituents.
Project Outcome Expectations: Identify good agricultural practices for growing and
processing of Lippia dulcis and Hoodia gordonii species in large scale; Isolate and purify the
natural sweetener in Lippia dulcis and appetite suppressant in Hoodia gordonii in additional to
identify allied varieties, and identifying marketing channels for these plants and their products
and introducing them to limited resource farmers in Texas.
Current Research II: Development of Genomic Resources and Tools for Sweet potato
(Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) Genomics Resource.
Project Outcome Expectations: Development of better sweet potato breeds.
Williams, Carolyn J., PhD
Cooperative Extension
Program
Disciplinary Field:
Agricultural Education
Research Interest: Family and Consumer Sciences
Current Project: Expanded Food Nutrition Program (EFNEP)
Project Outcome Expectations: EFNEP has provided sound nutrition information to low
income individuals for over 40 years. Participants must have an income of 185% of federal
poverty guidelines or less and participate in WIC, Head Start Free or Reduced school lunch or
receive Food Stamps. Adults and youth are enrolled in a series of 6 learning experiences and
upon completion are presented a certificate of participation.
College of Agriculture and Human Sciences
Research interests
Attaie, Rahmat, PhD
Cooperative Agricultural
Research Center
Disciplinary Field:
Food Science and
Technology
Research Interest: Food Technology; Agricultural Sciences
Current Research: Developing value-added caprine products at Prairie View A&M University
Project Outcome Expectations: Omega fatty acid added goat sausages and dairy products.
Anticipated Outcomes: Functional foods such as polyunsaturated fatty acids added goat
sausages, goat milk ice cream, and cheeses.
International Experience: Senior agricultural development officer in Western Afghanistan
through the Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture.
Languages: Persian, Dari, and Pashtu. These languages are spoken in Afghanistan, Iran and
some parts of Pakistan.
Experiences: Writing scientific papers, reviewing refereed journal articles and proposals.
Woldesenbet, Selamawit,
DVM
Cooperative Agricultural
Research Center
Disciplinary Field:
Veterinary Medicine
Research Interest: Core Lab (Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Analytical Chemistry)
International Experience: Ethiopia as a Veterinarian at State Poultry Farm
Languages: Amharic
Ray, Ram, PhD
Cooperative Agricultural
Research Center
Disciplinary Field:
Civil Engineering
Research Interest: Water Resources Assessment, hydrologic modeling, Remote Sensing and
GIS Database Development; Land cover/land use and climate change impact assessment on
water resources quantity and quality.
Primary research goal is to use the advance spatial and remote sensing technologies
in natural resources, human sciences and environmental management through integrative
approach at range of scales. Improving the understanding of the hydrologic and ecological
processes and to reduce the impact of disastrous water cycle extremes through field
experiments, instrumentations and the application of remotely-sensed data. My research
spans the area of spatial hydrology, remote sensing of hydrology, water resource management,
natural hazards such as landslides and floods, soil water dynamics, watershed hydrology and
modeling, climate change impact on water resources and geomorphology.
Postdoctoral research: Worked to quantify hydrologic states and fluxes by combining ground
truth and remote sensing data (i.e., GRACE, TRMM, PERSIANN, CMORPH, MODIS, AMSR-E,
ASTER, SRTM and LiDAR) and models (i.e., Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) and Hillslope
River Routing Model (HRR), Regional Hydro-Ecologic Simulation System (RHESSys)) and
applied to many watersheds.
Developed a landslide model that uses AMSR-E satellite soil moisture coupled with the VIC
hydrologic model. First to research landslide hazards through remotely sensed soil moisture
(e.g. AMSR-E). Experiences in estimating evapotranspiration (ET) and soil moisture that is
unique for the accurate estimation of crop water and irrigation requirements.
Have hands-on experience in many experimental methods including airborne LiDAR data and
fiber optics distributed temperature sensing technology as well as a working knowledge of
near-surface geophysics.
International Experience: Civil Engineering in NEPAL for ten years on a number of water
resources management, flood control and natural hazards projects.
Languages: Hindi, Nepalese
Lawton, Billy C., MEd
Disciplinary Field:
Vocational Education
Research Interest: Agriculture and Natural Resources
White, Jacquelyn M., Ed.D
Cooperative Extension
Program
Disciplinary Field:
Educational Leadership
Research Interest: Family and Consumer Sciences
8. - 12 - - 13 -
School of Architecture
The School of Architecture offers programs in Architecture, Construction Science, Community Development and Art, all dedicated
to preparing graduates for leadership roles in rebuilding America’s cities and improving the quality of the built environment.
Research Centers
The mission of the Texas Institute for the Preservation of History and Culture (TIPHC) - Cultural Center is to collect,
preserve, study, and make available research information, records, documents, artifacts, and other items relating to Texas history
and culture. The Center places special emphasis on collecting, preserving, and studying the role and contributions of African
Americans in Texas history and culture. This is an important mission because the documents, artifacts, and resources collected
by the Center will serve as the primary source materials for research on the black experience in Texas.
School of Architecture
current research
Eguia, Rudy G.
Architecture
Disciplinary Field:
MBA, Management
Research Interest: Transportation Engineering
Current Research: Mass Rapid Transit
Languages: Spanish, French, Portuguese, Romanian
School of Architecture
Research interests
Hines, Lason
Community Development
Disciplinary Field:
DM, Management/Organizational
Leadership
Research Interest: African American History and Culture
Experiences: Proposal Reviewer for U.S. Department of Education (8 years);
Publication, Television, and Media/Camera (12 years); Consulting Services – Proposal
Development/Strategic Planning/Board Development/Business Development/
Entrepreneurship (15 years), Nonprofit Management (15 years).
Labib, Rania
Architecture
Disciplinary Field:
MSc, Ecological Design
Research Interest: Using parametric design for optimized daylighting performance
Languages: Arabic
Experience:
Publications:
• Improving daylighting in existing classrooms using laser cut panels. Lighting Research
and Technology
October 2013 vol. 45 no. 5 585-598
Conference Presentation, The 9th International ENERGY FORUM on Advanced
Building Skins, Bressanone, Italy;
• Trade-off Method to Assess the Interaction Between Lightshelves and Complex
Ceiling Forms for Optimized Daylighting Performance. Advances in Building Energy
Research DOI:10.1080/17512549.2015.1014838
Upcoming Conference presentations:
• Optimized Street Design to Balance Outdoor Thermal Comfort And Indoor Daylighting
Performance Within Large Scale Urban Settings in Hot Arid Climates.
PLEA conference, Italy on September 2015.
• Towards A Solution for the Inevitable Use of the Glazed Façades in the Arid Regions
via the Parametric Design Approach. CIE conference in the UK on June 2015.
Norwood, Barry H.
Architecture
Disciplinary Field:
MARCH, Architecture
Research Interest: Planning and guiding Service Learning Projects in organic gardens
that document student learning of the seven main steps to problem solving.
Riles, Kevin V.
Community Development
Disciplinary Field:
MBA, Finance
Research Interest: Leadership & Student Success
9. - 14 - - 15 -
Marvin D. and June Samuel Brailsford
College of Arts and Sciences
The college consists of eight departments and one division offering courses leading to fifteen degrees at the Bachelor’s level
and six degrees at the Master’s level. We seek to develop in our students the traditional liberal arts skills of critical thinking,
analysis, problem solving, and communication. Furthermore, we intend for our students to acquire some depth in a major field by
understanding how knowledge is generated, organized, accessed, and given meaning.
Research Centers
Prairie View Solar Observatory (PVSO) The primary instrument at PVSO is a 35-cm Gregorian vacuum telescope, equipped
with a Daystar H-alpha filter (0.5Å FWHM) and a SBIG ST-7 CCD camera. We use this configuration for our routine observations
and the resulting images are 6 arcminutes by 8 arcminutes (high resolution mode).
Currently the observatory undergoes a modernization, including H-alpha filter and CCD camera replacement. We are also about to
bring online the Full Disk Solar Telescope and the upgraded Magneto Optical Filter.
The research interest of the solar group include solar active regions, erupting prominences and small solar magnetic fields. Apart
from images acquired at our observatory, we also use the satellite data (SOHO, Hinode) and data from other ground-based
observatories.
The Radiation Institute for Science and Engineering (RaISE) will utilize research expertise in both sciences and engineering
disciplines to establish unique research opportunities with world renowned scientific personnel. Radiation biology includes
experimental studies and theoretical modeling of space radiation biology studies for NASA conducted on the International Space
Station, on the surface of Mars (Curiosity), at the Brookhaven National Labs, at Loma Linda University Medical Center, at Los
Alamos National Labs, and at International Facilities (Japan, Germany, and Italy).
Marvin D. and June Samuel Brailsford College of Arts and Sciences
current research
Greer, Kimberly A., PhD
Biology
Disciplinary Field:
Genetics
Research Interest: Genetics; Biogerontology; Cancer genetics
Current Research: Eukaryotic Mechanisms of Aging
Current Research Outcome Expectations: Utilize the canine as a model of human aging,
identifying oxidative stress mechanisms of cellular damage and senescence in correlation with
weight, breed, and longevity. Cellular oxidative stress will correlate positively with size and
breed (due to size parameters) of the dog populations. I anticipate shorter lived dogs will be
more susceptible to oxidative stress damage and longer lived dogs will be more resistant to
oxidative stress and damage. We will identify the genes mitigating these differences.
Keaton, Alphonso, PhD
Biology
Disciplinary Fields:
Physiology; Cardiovascular
Physiology
Research Interest: Cardiovascular Physiology; Exercise Physiology
Current Research: The Combined Effects of Captopril Treatment (and its Withdrawal) and
Exercise on Blood Pressure in the Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat.
Current Research Outcome Expectation: The prolonged antihypertensive effects of captopril,
following withdrawal of treatment in the spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with the
combined effects of exercise training and captopril treatment on blood pressure and vascular
responses in the SHR are the primary focus. Preliminary laboratory data indicates that captopril
treatment and its withdrawal prevents alterations in vascular morphology associated with
hypertension in the SHR. The hypothesis is that the prolonged blood pressure lowering effects
of captopril, is related to a sustained protective effect on endothelial cell function and vessel
structure and that the beneficial effects of captopril on vascular function will be augmented by
exercise training in the SHR.
Moore, Quincy C., PhD
Biology
Disciplinary Field:
Microbiology
Research Interest: Bacterial Ocular Infections
Current Research: The Integrated Undergraduate Research Experience in Biology and
Mathematical Sciences (UBM) project was funded by NSF (Award No. DBI-1029401 and Sub-
award No. S110005)
Current Research Outcome Expectations: Enhancement of the Undergraduate Biology and
Mathematics (UBM) experience to enhance undergraduate education and training at the
intersection of the biological and mathematical sciences and to better prepare undergraduate
biology or mathematics students to pursue graduate study and careers in fields that integrate
the mathematical and biological sciences.
Regisford, Gloria C., PhD
Biology
Disciplinary Field:
Reproductive Biology
Research Interest: Cancer Biology/Bioinformatics Education
Current Sponsored Program I: Integrating Bioinformatics Learning Modules into the Biology
Curriculum
Current Sponsored Program I Outcome Expectations: Creation and infusion of Bioinformatics
learning modules into Biology courses.
Current Sponsored Program II: Bioinformatics Research for Agriculture INnovative Students
(BRAINS)
Current Sponsored Program II Outcome Expectations: Infusion of Bioinformatics into
Agriculture courses and engages one student each from Agriculture, Biology and Computer
Science annually in Bioinformatics research.
Vaden, Deirdre, PhD
Biology
Disciplinary Fields:
Biology, Genetics
Research Interest: Biology-Gene expression/Expression Therapeutics
Current Research: Bringing Next-generation Sequence (NGS) Analysis Into Undergraduate
Education: Gene Expression Profiling of Peripheral Blood from Spontaneously Hypertensive
Rats
Current Research Outcome Expectation: Develop a new RNA-Seq dataset of peripheral blood
mononuclear cells in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR).
Lane, Jr., Cleveland, PhD
Biology
Disciplinary Fields:
Science Education
Research Interest: Evaluation of Curricular and Student Teaching in Science Education
10. - 16 - - 17 -
Marvin D. and June Samuel Brailsford College of Arts and Sciences
current research
Youngblood, Yolander R.,
PhD
Botany
Disciplinary Field:
Genetics
Research Interest: Botany/Ecology
Current Research: Palms and the Texas Gulf Coast Ecosystem
Current Research Outcome Expectations: Current distribution map of native Texas palms with
Kierra Jones and comparison of epicuticular wax structures and patterns in Texas palms.
Ciftja, Orion, PhD
Physics
Disciplinary Field:
Condensed Matter Physics
Research Interest: Condensed Matter Physics
Current Research: Strongly Correlate Electronics; Spintronic Systems
Project Outcome Expectations: Theoretical study of novel properties
Fan, Hua-Jun, PhD
Chemistry
Disciplinary Field:
Computational Chemistry
Research Interest: Modeling and Computational Chemistry
Current Research I: Consortium of Energy and Materials
Current Research I Outcome Expectations: Develop structures for a functional and sustainable
consortium that is engaged in education (facilitated by research) in materials and energy.
Current Research II: Modeling the Biofunctionalized Materials Systems on AF Environments
Current Research II Outcome Expectations: Delivery of multiscale modeling approaches and
protocols in investigating the effect of biofunctionalized materials systems on AF environments
by providing modeling support for the design of better and functionally integrated biomaterials;
studying the structure-property relationship, and predict and characterize biomaterial
performance.
PVAMU will study the different binding mode and binding energies of various biofunctionalized
nanostructures and nanocomposite materials; aid in design and optimization a computational
model of new biofunctionalized nanostructures and nanocomposite materials that possess
the better energy harvesting capabilities; provide understanding of the structure-property
relationship in order to identify the key structural factors that improve the energy collection of
the biofunctionalized nanostructures and nanocomposite materials; and eventually to predict
and characterize the energy performance based on structure-property relationship and aid the
future design of the biofunctionalized nanostructures and nanocomposite materials.
Current Research III: Mechanistic Investigations of Photocatalysis of Colloidal Semiconductor
Metal Heterostructures
Current Research III Outcome Expectations: The proposed research activities will focus on
computational modeling the kinetics and mechanisms of photocatalytic activities of various
hybrid semiconductor-metal heterostructures such as CdS-M where M is Pd, Pt and Au
metal nanodots, and CdSexS1-x-M where M is Mo, Pd, Pt and Au metal nanodots through
computational modeling methods.
The modeling study can provide understanding of charge separation and redox photocatalysis
process with these semiconductor-metal heterostructures. This study can supply the atomic
level understandings such as the geometric, electronic structural and band gap influence on
the photocatalysis process. The novelty of this proposal is important in terms of engineering
science because it could help to engineer the more efficient sunlight harness device, alleviate
the current energy crisis, and protect environment.
Current Research IV: Molecular Programming: Bottom-up fabrication of multi-element
compounds with Precisely-Defined Structure and Composition
Current Research IV Outcome Expectations: A focus on the current research efforts on the
computational modeling of bond strength, stability and reactivity in molecular precursors to
colloidal nanocrystals. One of the target systems is a phosphinechalcogenide precursor,
which would provide molecular control of nanoscale composition, alloying, and morphology
(aspect ratio) in CdS-CdSe nanocrystal dots and rods. Mainly the modeling efforts will
focus on comparing the effect of para - and metaposition substitutions to investigate the
degree of impact (sigma-induction and piresonance) on P=S and P=Se bond strength.
The other target system is to investigate the S-S or Se-Se bond strength in R-E-E-R series
compounds. Combined with experimental studies, this computational study can provide better
understanding of various electronic influences on designing suitable nanodots/rods that can
yield desired nanoscale composition, morphology and reactivity.
Marvin D. and June Samuel Brailsford College of Arts and Sciences
current research
Fontus, Winshell A., PhD
Undergraduate Medical
Academy
Disciplinary Field:
Physical Chemistry
Research Interest: Theoretical Chemistry
Current Research: Quantum computations of Boron Nitride Mechanical properties
Current Research Outcome Expectations: Ability of determining the mechanical properties of
BN using quantum calculations.
Soboyejo, Nathaniel, PhD
Chemistry
Disciplinary Field:
Color Chemistry
Research Interest: Chemistry; Environmental studies of chemical effluents; Bacterial activities/
biology.
Current Research: Water Repellent and Anti-Bacterial Properties of Surface Modified Cotton
Fabrics with di-ions
Current Research Outcome Expectations: Protective Clothing and Moisture Management
Chiarella, Gina M., PhD
Chemistry
Disciplinary Field:
Chemistry
Research Interest: Bioinorganic chemistry and material science
Current Research: Synthesis of transition metal complexes.
Current Research Outcome Expectations: Synthesis transition metal complexes analogous
to biological catalysts (enzymes) to support alternative technologies environmentally friendly,
cheaper and cleaner than the ones currently sued in industry and pharmaceutical processes.
Oki, Aderemi, PhD
Chemistry
Disciplinary Field:
Inorganic Chemistry
Research Interest: Material Science
Current Research: Inorganic Materials for Bone Repairs
Current Research Expected Outcomes: Fabrication of inorganic composite materials with
potential applications in bone repair.
Li, YinQchun, PhD
Chemistry
Disciplinary Field:
Bioorganic Chemistry
Research Interest:
Current Research: New organic reactions and materials
Current Research Outcome Expectations: Training undergraduates and graduates for chemical
research and exploring new organic reactions and materials based reaction mechanisms and
predicted properties of materials.
11. - 18 - - 19 -
Marvin D. and June Samuel Brailsford College of Arts and Sciences
current research
McWhinney, Hylton G.
Chemistry
Disciplinary Field:
Analytical Chemistry
Research Interest: Sustainable water treatment process for non-point source agricultural water
waste; Reduction of sulfur in fuels by way of tailored adsorptive/catalytic thin films;
Determination of speciation and quantification of toxic metal ions in aqueous systems using
surface analytical tools- Example Cr(III) and Cr(VI); Understanding the behavior of emerging
pollutants in the environment.
Current Research:
Environmental Chemistry – Surface phenomena and surface Application to environmental
mitigation and remediation.
Materials Chemistry- Surface modification
Expert in X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS)
Current Research: Prairie View A&M University Surface science facility and STEM Outreach
Program
Current Research Outcome Expectations: Minority and non-traditional students are highly
underrepresented in the STEM fields and they often require special recruitment strategies, “eye
catching demonstrations” and hands on experience to peak their interests in these areas. The
Traveling PVAMU STEM Mobile Road Show, equipped with cutting edge scientific equipment,
including a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer and the MicroLab Experimental
system will be the main demonstration/presentation technology employed for school site visits.
Director, PVAMU Surface Science Characterization Facility
Comprised of a Physical Electronics (PHI) 5600 chemical imaging X-ray Photoelectron
Spectrometer (XPS) and an electron microscope with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS)
will offer core analytical support to the University community. This facility will expand the
University research capability and provide training for advanced students in practical surface
and interfacial characterization.
Experience: Over 20 published peer reviewed papers. Numerous technical presentations,
nationally and internationally. Multiple peer reviews resulting in publications. Four invited
international guest lectureships.
International (1) Consulted with the Texas International Education Consortium to reform the
Universidad Autonomo de Nuevo Leon Science and Engineering programs (2) Collaboration
with Professor Guillon at the University of Reims-France on the interaction, transport and life
cycle of emerging pollutants with anthropogenic materials in the environment. Submitted a draft
MOU between both institutions through the Dean of Arts and sciences for possible action by
PVAMU Administrators.
Languages: Semi-fluent in Spanish and French
Hritonenko, Natali, PhD
Mathematics
Disciplinary Field:
Differential Equations
Research Interest: Applied Mathematics; Mathematical modeling and investigation of various
processes and phenomena
Current Research I: Optimal management of timber production and carbon sequestration
under climate change and natural disturbances
Current Research I Outcome Expectations: Suggest and analyze a mathematical model that
depicts management of a size-structured forest with intra-specific competition and carbon
sequestration benefits under climate change and natural disturbances. The model also includes
the revenues from the timber production, operational expenses, and the net benefits from
carbon sequestration.
Current Research II: Long-term investment into the environmental protection
Current Research II Outcome Expectations: Suggest optimal long-term investment in
the environmental adaptation & abatement. A model is proposed in collaboration with
environmentalist from Belgium which combines the production, pollution and adaptation, and
abatement investments at the first time in economic literature.
Marvin D. and June Samuel Brailsford College of Arts and Sciences
current research
Haghighi, Aliakbar M.,
PhD
Mathematics
Disciplinary Field:
Probability and Statistics
Research Interest: Queueing Theory, Stochastic Processes, Probability, Statistical Inference,
Mathematical Statistics
Current Research: The Integrated Undergraduate Research Experience in Biology and
Mathematical Sciences (UBM)
Current Research Outcome Expectations:
Creation of two, new tracks to the B.S. degree at TAMU:
(a) A quantitative biology track to the B.S. degree in Biology, and
(b) A mathematical biology track to the M.S. degree in Mathematics.
Creation of a cohort (learning community) of UBM undergraduate fellows drawn equally from
the biological sciences (Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics) and the mathematical sciences
(Mathematics, Statistics).
Promotion of undergraduate research experiences for UBM undergraduate fellows.
Promotion of graduate study and subsequent scientific careers at the interface of the biological
and mathematical sciences.
Current Research II: Establish an Intelligent Equipment Lab for Precision Agriculture at Prairie
View A&M University
Current Research II Outcome Expectations: To establish an intelligent equipment lab for
precision agriculture on PVAMU campus to provide students the opportunity to improve their
hands-on experiences with the cutting-edge agriculture in information and communication
technology (ICT) and decision making techniques. The intelligent equipment refers to a
computerized system integrated with multiple sensors from the analyzed data models for
drought prediction and irrigation control. A smart phone based ICT will be built.
Language: Chinese
Experiences: Journal editor; journal editorial board member
Michev, Dimitar P., PhD
Mathematics
Disciplinary Fields:
Mathematics, Differential
Equations
Research Interest: Differential and Difference Equations, Queueing Theory
Current Research: Book, Delayed and Network Queues. Contract with Wiley, February 2016.
Co-Authors: A.M.Haghghi and D. Michev
Shayib, Mohammed A.,
PhD
Mathematics
Disciplinary Fields:
Mathematics/Statistics
Research Interest: Statistics
Current Research: Statistics For Six Sigma Quality
Current Research Outcome Expectations: A Book
Valles, Jr., James R., PhD
Mathematics
Disciplinary Field:
Mathematics
Research Interest: Mathematics Education
Current Sponsored Program: Developing Elementary School Problem Solvers thru Math and
Science Circles
Current Sponsored Program Outcome Expectations: Assessing the development of problem
based elementary math and science students through the use of Math Circles. Students will
see the significance and relevance of math and science working together. The success will be
shared with other schools in the school district, and the lasting impact of the program on the
initial group of students will be tracked.
Current Research: Student-Driven Content and Learning
Current Research Outcome Expectations: Examination of student performance based on the
creation of short video lessons; the topics of the aforementioned videos will have been selected
by the students. Seek to determine if the creation and delivery of content specifically requested
by the students makes a measurable impact in their performance on problems related to these
videos.
12. - 20 - - 21 -
Marvin D. and June Samuel Brailsford College of Arts and Sciences
current research
Misaghian, Manouchehr,
PhD
Mathematics
Disciplinary Field:
Algebraic Number Theory
Research Interest: p-adic representation theory
Current Research: Undergraduate Biology and Mathematics program
Current Research Outcome Expectations: Papers/presentations by Mathematics and Biology
students
Lian, Jian-Ao, PhD
Mathematics
Disciplinary Field:
Mathematics
Current Research II: Establish an Intelligent Equipment Lab for Precision Agriculture at Prairie
View A&M University
Current Research II Outcome Expectations: To establish an intelligent equipment lab for
precision agriculture on PVAMU campus to provide students the opportunity to improve their
hands-on experiences with the cutting-edge agriculture in information and communication
technology (ICT) and decision making techniques. The intelligent equipment refers to a
computerized system integrated with multiple sensors from the analyzed data models for
drought prediction and irrigation control. A smart phone based ICT will be built.
Language: Chinese
Experiences: Journal editor; journal editorial board member
College of Business
The College provides a diverse student body with an education that creates highly productive professionals who are ethical,
entrepreneurial, and prepared to succeed in the global economy. The College offers an undergraduate degree program in business
administration – Bachelor of Business Administration – and graduate degree programs -Master of Science in Accounting, Master
of Business Administration and Executive MBA. All programs are fully accredited by AACSB International – The Association to
Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Research Center
The Prairie View A&M University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides free business consulting and
affordable training seminars for small and medium-sized business owners and managers. The PVAMU SBDC is a business
consulting and training center of the SBDC Network.
The Center for International Business Education (CIBE) was created to enhance the College’s international business
program. It provides quality education and assistance to businesses, the local community, faculty and students on international
trade and global competitiveness. The CIBE works closely with the PVAMU Small Business Development Center in assisting the
local economic development agencies in the preparation of grant proposals and providing assistance to the local governments in
their efforts to attract foreign plants to the region.
The CIBE began operation in December 2004, after receiving the highly prestigious Business and International Education (BIE)
grant from the U.S. Department of Education (the grant was renewed in 2006). Since this time, the Center has employed students
to assist local firms in identifying business opportunities in overseas markets, established a study abroad program for students
through a partnership with the Universidad de las Américas (UDLA) in Puebla, Mexico and offered student field trips and summer
workshops for local high school teachers and the local business community to increase their awareness of international business
opportunities.
13. - 22 - - 23 -
College of Business
current research
Bell, Reginald L., PhD
Accounting, Finance and MIS
Disciplinary Field:
Business Education; Management;
General Business; English Literature
Research Interest: International Business, Taxation
International Experience: Kazakhstan-2 years; Fulbright Lecturer;
Membership: National Taxpayer Advocacy Panel; Tax Consulting; Appeal Memoranda
(general)
Chong, H. Jin, PhD
Accounting, Finance and MIS
Disciplinary Field:
Accounting; Auditing
Research Interest: Business Ethics, Compliance, Audits
Khan, M. Moosa, PhD
Accounting, Finance and MIS
Disciplinary Fields: Economics
Research Interest: Treasury Inflation Protection Securities (TIPS) and Inflation
Protection
Experience: Peer Reviewer
Lee, B. Brian, PhD
Accounting, Finance and MIS
Disciplinary Fields: Accounting
Research Interest: Management of Income Statement Variables to Report Small
Positive Earnings Numbers
Languages: Korean
Mahfouz, Ahmed Y., PhD
Accounting, Finance and MIS
Disciplinary Fields: Management
Information Systems (MIS)
Research Interest: Social Media, Learning Style, and Cognitive Recall in a Pedagogical
Context
International Travel: Lived in Egypt and Kuwait
Languages: Arabic
Experience: Peer Reviewer
Membership: National Taxpayer Advocacy Panel; Tax Consulting; Appeal Memoranda
(general)
Ngamassi, Louis, PhD
Disciplinary Fields: Information
Science and Technology
Research Interest: MIS, Social Media, Cloud Computing, and Business Intelligence
International Travel: ABABA – United Nations Fulbright Fellow
Languages: French
Experience: Ad hoc reviewer for conference presentations
Opara, Emmanuel U., PhD
Accounting, Finance and MIS
Disciplinary Fields:
Management Science
Research Interest: Network and Cyber Security Platforms
Experience: Extensive publication experience; Currently an associate journal editor,
journal editorial board member; proposal reviewer; academic/research/public service
program evaluation; learning outcome assessment; consulting services.
Ramakrishnan, Thiagarajan,
PhD
Accounting, Finance and MIS
Disciplinary Fields: Business
Computing Information Systems
Research Interest: Social Media and Disaster Management; Cloud Computing;
Business Intelligence
Language: Hindi
Experience: Ad hoc reviewer for scholarly journals an MIS and Decision Science
conferences
Vemuri, Vijaya K., PhD
Accounting, Finance and MIS
Disciplinary Fields:
Decision Information Sciences;
Accounting
Research Interest: Supply Chain Capabilities and Foreign Direct Investment: A Granger
Causal Analysis;
Business Method Patents.
International Experience: University of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bahrain
Experience: Book Review Editor, Journal of Information Technology Cases and
Applications.
College of Business
current research
Vetter, William V., JD, LL. M.
Accounting, Finance and MIS
Disciplinary Fields: Tax Law
Research Interest: Tax specialization-compliance; Multi-jurisdiction, Jurisdiction (Gen.)
International Experience: Kazakhstan – 2 years, Fulbright Lecturer, International
Business, Taxation
Membership: National Taxpayer Advocacy Panel, tax consulting, appeal memoranda
(general)
Zhang, Yi, PhD
Accounting, Finance and MIS
Disciplinary Fields: Finance
Research Interest: Investments; Corporate Finance
Language: Chinese
Membership: National Taxpayer Advocacy Panel, tax consulting, appeal memoranda
(general)
Experience: Academic Journal Reviewer, Textbook reviewer.
Alam, Arshad, PhD
Management and Marketing
Disciplinary Fields: Logistics
and Supply Chain Management;
International Business
Research Interest: Supply Chain
Baldwin, Rick, DBA
Management and Marketing
Disciplinary Field: Management
Research Interest: Community Economic Development Management and Marketing
Debnath, Sukumar, DBA
Management and Marketing
Disciplinary Field: Management
Research Interest: Student Development, Success; Human Resources
Fei, Qiang, PhD
Management and Marketing
Disciplinary Field: Marketing
Research Interest: Human Resources; Business Compliance; Student Development
Joonas, Kishwar, DBA
Management and Marketing
Disciplinary Fields: Marketing;
Management
Research Interest: Customer Relations; International Service; Business Environments;
Business Compliance
Langley, Sonja B., PhD
Management and Marketing
Disciplinary Field: Economics
Research Interest: Business Ethics’ Ethnic and Gender Differences; Business in
Religion
McNeil, Lawrence R., PhD
Management and Marketing
Disciplinary Field: Economics
Research Interest: Technology, Innovation and Economic Development; International
Trade and Finance; Political Economics and Foreign Policy
Sutanto, Peter Wibana, PhD
Management and Marketing
Disciplinary Field: Management
Research Interest: Operations Management; Supply Chain Management; Simulation
Optimization; Spreadsheet and Inventory Modeling
14. - 24 - - 25 -
College of Business
current research
Quazi, Rahim, PhD
Management and Marketing
Disciplinary Field: Economics
Research Interest: International Economics; Development Economics; Business
Education
Quddus, Munir, PhD
Management and Marketing
Disciplinary Field: Economics
Research Interest: Small Business Development and Management; Tax specialization,
Multi-jurisdiction, Jurisdiction (Gen.); Economics, Third World development; Exports,
benefit-cost analysis (economic impact) of an institution of higher learning on local
economy; global higher education issues
International Experience: Kazakhstan – 2 years, Fulbright Lecturer, International
Business, Taxation
Memberships: National Taxpayer Advocacy Panel, tax consulting, appeal memoranda
(general)
Tandon, Sudhir, PhD
Management and Marketing
Disciplinary Field: Marketing
Research Interest: Strategic and International Marketing; Product and Marketing
Management Research
Versey, Jermaine, PhD
Management and Marketing
Disciplinary Fields: Management;
Organizational Behavior and Ethics
in Business
Research Interest: Human Behavior; Mentoring; Business Ethics
Whitlowe R. Green College of Education
The College has a legacy of producing some of the nation’s most distinguished teachers, counselors, principals, diagnosticians
and superintendents. The College offers diverse research-based instruction through comprehensive programs of study at the
undergraduate and graduate levels, including doctoral programs and a teacher certification program. The College of Education
is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and the State Board for Educator
Certification (SBEC).
Research Center
Pending: The tripartite focus of the Minority Achievement, Creativity, and High Ability Center (MACH-3) is on the critical
populations in the P-20 setting: administration, faculty, and students. Unique to this focus is the Center’s goal of producing
cutting-edge best-practices and scholarship that will speak to the contemporary issues impacting these cohorts across the P-20
spectrum and into critical workplace contexts. The MACH-3 Center will serve as a crucible to facilitate combinations of key
elements from multiple disciplines and fields required to understand minority achievement, creativity and high ability. Additionally,
the Center will expand on and redefine the term “minority” in an effort to set the stage for engaged scholarship that speaks to the
assets and potential inherent among populations of color (African American, Latina/o, Native American) and other marginalized
groups (women) who are by no measure ‘minor’ in their intellectual capacities, but potentially minor in their presence and
representation in certain fields of endeavor, particularly in certain education and professional enclaves.
15. - 26 - - 27 -
Whitlowe R. Green College of Education
Research interests
Brown, Kelly, Ed. D
Educational Leadership and Counseling
Disciplinary Field: Educational Administration and Supervision
Research Interest: Teacher Professional
Development; Urban School Leadership; Culturally
Responsive Pedagogy
Coleman, Lee
Educational Leadership and Counseling
Disciplinary Field: Counseling
Research Interest: Technology in Counseling
Gardiner, Carl L., Ed. D
Educational Leadership and Counseling
Disciplinary Fields: Counselor Education; Counseling
Research Interest: Online Education in Counseling
Hoffman-Miller, Patricia, PhD
Educational Leadership and Counseling
Doctoral Program Coordinator
Disciplinary Fields: Educational Policy; Educational Administration
Research Interest: Charter School Administration;
Teacher Professional Development; Assessment in
Education; STAAR Preparation; Student Discipline
Laws, Leslie Stalcup, PhD
Educational Leadership and Counseling
Disciplinary Fields: Family Studies; Counseling
Research Interest: Academic Rigor in Low
Performing Schools; Student Achievement
Petterway, Arthur L., PhD
Educational Leadership and Counseling
Disciplinary Fields: Educational Administration/Leadership
Research Interest: Assessment and Testing in
Texas Education
Pitre, Abul, PhD
Educational Leadership and Counseling
Disciplinary Fields: Educational Leadership; Teacher Education
Research Interest: The Africana Experience and
Critical Leadership Studies; Multicultural Education
Rodney, Laxley W. PhD
Educational Leadership and Counseling
Disciplinary Fields: Educational Administration/Leadership; Research
Research Interest: Family and Community
Violence Prevention; Teacher Perception of
Leadership Styles of the Principal
Ross, William, Ed. D
Educational Leadership and Counseling
Disciplinary Fields: Educational Policy;
Educational Administration; Counseling
Research Interest: Counseling/Mentoring African
American Males Pre-Service Teachers
Thompson, Jill M., Ed. D
Educational Leadership and Counseling
Disciplinary Fields: Counseling; Student Personnel
Research Interest: School Counseling;
Educational Assessment; Student Discipline
Thompson, Lisa K.
Educational Leadership and Counseling
Disciplinary Fields: Educational Leadership; Educational Administration
Research Interest: Cultural Proficiency; Human
Resource Practices and Teacher Retention;
Dropout Prevention; Women in Higher Education
Administration
Whitlowe R. Green College of Education
Research interests
Smith, Patricia A., Ed.D
Educational Leadership and Counseling
Disciplinary Field: Administrative and Policy Studies; Educational
Administration
Research Interest: Leadership Development for
Cooperating Teachers: Perceptions of Teacher
Dispositions using the Teacher Disposition Index
Experience: Journal Reviewer (AERA); Editorial
Board, Journal of African American Males in
Education and Journal of the Alliance of Black
School Educators; Coordinator, PVAMU-NCATE;
Member, PVAMU-IRB
Yates, III, Lucian, PhD
Educational Leadership and Counseling
Disciplinary Field: Curriculum, Instruction, Supervision; Leadership
Research Interest: African American Male Pre-
Service Teachers
Hobson, Lisa D, PhD
Curriculum and Instruction
Disciplinary Field: Educational Administration
Research Interest: Mentoring and Engagement;
Leader Preparation and Mentoring; Retention;
Organizational Development
International Experience: Ongwediva College,
Namibia
Experiences: Journal editor, Journal editorial board
member; grant/proposal reviewer; academic and
public service program evaluation; consultation
Booker, Clarissa, Ed. D
Curriculum and Instruction
Disciplinary Field: Curriculum and Instruction-Reading Education
Research Interest: Model instructional reading
strategies from the writings of Dr. Maya Angelou -
Think-Pair-Share Strategy,
K-W-L Strategy and I Do, We Do, and You Do
Strategy.
International Experiences: Budapest, Hungary,
Russia—Moscow, St. Petersburg, Finland, Munich,
Germany, Berlin, Germany, London, England, Paris,
France, Bahamas, Barbados, Haiti. Advisory Board
member to The Liberia-Cuttington Group, Inc.
The organization is focused on collaborations with
Prairie View A&M University in areas to include:
education, library, nursing, and technology.
Boone, Sonia K., PhD
Curriculum and Instruction
Disciplinary Fields: Curriculum and Instruction; Multicultural,
Urban and International Studies
Research Interest: Mentoring and Student
Research
Languages: Spanish (Texas Teacher Certificate-
Bilingual/ESL Education Gr. 1-8)
16. - 28 - - 29 -
Roy G. Perry College of Engineering
The College is made up of six departments: chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer science, electrical and computer
engineering, engineering technology and mechanical engineering. The Prairie View Roy G. Perry College of Engineering
maintains the perfect balance between classroom theory and research application. While students concentrate on basic science,
mathematics and engineering courses, they are also exposed to a broad range of humanities and social sciences classes,
keeping them in touch with the world around them. We offer a total of nine bachelor’s degrees, four masters’ and one doctorate.
Our master of science in engineering degree program provides the option for concentrated study in either chemical, civil,
environmental or mechanical engineering.
Research Centers
The Center for Radiation Engineering and Science for Space Exploration (CRESSE) focuses primarily on supporting the
International Space Station and future Mars missions. Its research is concentrated on science and technology related to radiation
protection and the effects of space radiation on electronics and biosystems. CARR’s goal is to significantly contribute to NASA’s
vast technology base, providing enabling technologies—such as new materials, electronics, shielding and radio-protectorates
for humans—that will make major NASA missions even more successful, safer and less costly. CARR is funded by the National
Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
The Center for Digital Battlefield Communications (CEBCOM) works to achieve national excellence in telecommunication,
research, and technology. It transfers and focuses education by collaborating with US DOD, Texas state and industry. On
education, it helps evolve graduate programs to achieve national preeminence; encourages high standing students to work in the
center, and enables the department to recruit well qualified faculty and provide opportunities for pursuing research in the center. It
will also further its research and development focus and to achieve self-sustenance.
The Center for Energy and Environmental Sustainability (CEES) at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) supports rigorous
and expanding program of research and teaching in the areas of renewable energy and environmental sustainability. The National
Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded PVAMU a five-year grant to establish the CEES under the Center for Research Excellence
in Science and Technology (CREST) program. CEES promotes research in the areas of biofuels, energy & environment and wind
energy and will focus on innovative technical solutions in the energy arena.
The Center of Excellence for Communication Systems Technology Research (CECSTR) conducts comprehensive
research in the selected aspects of communication systems, Wavelets and Wavelet Transforms, Compressed Sensing/
Compressive Sampling Systems, DSP Solutions, Signal/Image/Video Processing, Mixed Signal Systems, Communication Control
Systems and High Speed (Broadband) Communication Systems. Among other emerging areas of research, it also seeks solutions
to the problems that plague both military and commercial satellite and radar-based communication systems. The CECSTR is the
only academic center of its kind in Texas, filling a gap in educating the state’s future leaders in emerging high-technology areas.
It supports specially undergraduate and graduate students of electrical and engineering technology Departments. CECSTR is
funded by various industries and government agencies.
Center of Excellence in Research and Education for Big Military Data Intelligence. The Air Force Research Laboratory
(AFRL) has announced in January 2015 the 5-year award to Prairie View A&M University to establish the Center. The Center of
Excellence will include researchers from the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering and the Department of Computer
Science in big data research.
The Computational Biology and Bioengineering Research Lab builds strong capabilities in the exciting emerging research
area of computational biology and bioengineering, which is a national priority. By utilizing funds from the Chancellor’s Research
Initiative, renowned researchers and leaders are brought to PVAMU to leverage existing research by faculties from Electrical and
Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Agriculture and Biology. The facility will provide the infrastructure for
commercialization of products, training and research space for faculty and students.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Institute (CFDI) is involved in two ongoing projects with NASA Marshall and the Rocketdyne
division of Boeing North America. The Marshall grant focuses on developing computational fluid dynamics technology for
supersonic ramjet/scramjet combustion. The Rocketdyne project involves performing detailed analysis of an air augmented
rocket. The CFDI was established in partnership with the Rocketdyne division of Boeing North America.
Pending: Information Communication and Cyber Security (ICCS) Research and Education (ICCS) is perhaps the
most important area of information and communications technology (ICT) in this decade. It is used in everything from consumer
electronics to industrial equipment, military systems and communications networks. It is influencing almost every aspect of our
lives and bringing about changes in our businesses, defense, society and the way we live, work and entertain ourselves. This
research will change ways in which we defend our homeland and fight wars. It will create new markets, moving us from the
information age to the knowledge age where we are able to obtain useful information. In that age our world will converge to form a
single universe of experience.
The Future Aerospace, Science and Technology (FAST) Center on Lightweight Structural Materials and Processing conducts
research in line with the needs of the Air Force, industry and the government. Researchers thus use the center to process and
characterize composites for both military and civilian uses. The FAST center strives to place Prairie View as a national leader in the
development of lightweight, high-temperature polymer matrix composites. The FAST Center is funded by the Air Force Office of
Scientific Research.
The Texas Gulf Coast Environmental Data (TEXGED) Center is a key player in supplying researchers and decision-makers
with the information they need to plan and assess environmental problems along the U.S. Gulf Coast’s southern region.
The TEXGED Center collects data from space through TRW Space and Technology and transfers it to a database system.
This information serves as a tool for predicting environmental changes in the region and for producing methodology for risk
assessment of the ecosystems.
Pending: The Prairie View A&M University Center for Advancing Innovations in Smart Microgrid will expand the
research capacity of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and to increase the production of doctoral degrees in
electrical engineering. The research goal is to make the future power grid reliable, sustainable and secure by solving the technical
challenges involved in the use of Microgrids that have distributed energy sources and loads. The education goal is to train MS and
PhD students to do cutting-edge research in smart grid, specifically microgrids. This research will help create a multitude of smart
microgrids in the world that are reliable, sustainable, secure and more environmentally-safe. The energy sources in the microgrid
will be either renewable or non-renewable sources. The microgrids will be integrated together to form the future smart grid. This
project will provide educational training to students through research and hands-on experience. Furthermore, it will help increase
the production of qualified doctoral graduates to enter the workforce for future smart grid which is of national priority.
The Thermal Science Research Center (TSRC) allows researchers to conduct both basic and applied research, development
and design in the broad engineering area of thermal science. Much of the work in the TSRC includes both experimentation and
engineering modeling and simulation. Project collaboration links center researchers with their counterparts in such places as the
European Community, Japan and the former Soviet Union. The TSRC is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, NASA, the U.S.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Sandia National Laboratories and the Center for Space Power.
17. - 30 - - 31 -
Roy G. Perry College of Engineering
current research
Ali, Warsame H., PhD
Electrical and Computer
Engineering
Disciplinary Field:
Electrical Engineering
Research Interest: Electrical Engineering
Current Research: Sensing Heat Stress Kit
Current Research Outcome Expectations: Development of Heat Stress Kit
Current Research II: Smart Grid Simulator Development for Research and Teaching
Cofie, Penrose, PhD
Electrical and Computer
Engineering
Disciplinary Field:
Electrical Engineering
Research Interest: Electrical Engineering
Current Research: Sensor and Gamma Rays Detector Applications
Current Research Outcome Expectations: Design a detector for gamma rays
Cui, Suxia, PhD
Electrical and Computer
Engineering
Disciplinary Field:
Computer Engineering
Research Interest: Electrical Engineering
Current Research: Targeted Infusion Project: Enriching Computing Curriculum Through HPC
Teaching and Research
Current Research Outcome Expectation: Enhance high performance computing research and
teaching at a minority serving institution
Current Research II: Acquisition of a High Performance Computer Cluster for Multidisciplinary
Computational Research at Prairie View A&M University
Current Research Outcome Expectation II: Purchase a high performing computer cluster to
support research from the College of Engineering at Prairie View A&M University
Current Research III: Establish an Intelligent Equipment Lab for Precision Agriculture at Prairie
View A&M University
Current Research Outcome Expectation III: Utilize current electrical and computing
technologies to develop agriculture equipment
Attia, John O., PhD
Electrical and Computer
Engineering
Disciplinary Field:
Electrical Engineering
Research Interest: Electrical Engineering
Current Research: Experimental Centric Based Engineering Curriculum for HBCUs
Current Research Outcome Expectations: Create a sustainable “HBCU Engineering Network”
that will focus on the development, implementation, and expansion of an Experimental Centric
based instructional pedagogy in engineering curricula used in these HBCUs. A larger number
of better prepared African American engineers and other students will have a better public
understanding of technology and its role in STEM education and policy.
Akujuobi, Cajetan M.,
M.B.A., Ph.D.E.E.
Electrical and Computer
Engineering
Disciplinary Field:
Electrical Engineering
Research Interest: Cyber & Information Systems Security, Communication systems, Wavelets
and Wavelet Transforms Applications, Compressed Sensing/Compressive Sampling Systems,
DSP Solutions, Signal/Image/Video Processing, Mixed Signal Systems, Communication Control
Systems, High Speed (Broadband) Communication Systems, Health Monitoring of Aerodynamic
Systems – Vibration Study and Compressive Sensing Systems.
Current Research: Recently, there are many threats to obtain secure data. Working on an
approach to help securing information data.
Current Research Outcome Expectations: This research will result in a cryptographic outcome
that will secure data information. The steganography idea using wavelet transforms hides an
image in a cover image and it is transmitted so that the information is undetectable. There are
various steganography techniques like: substitution technique, transform domain technique,
spread spectrum technique, statistical technique, and distortion technique that may be used.
The end result is a transmitted secured informational data.
International Experience: Visiting Professor at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri
(FUTO) for six consecutive years. Invited Speaker at many Universities in China, Hong Kong
and Nigeria; short courses in Digital Signal Processing, Broadband Communications Systems;
Wavelets and Wavelet Transforms and Digital Communication Systems – Federal University of
Technology, Owerri (FUTO); Mixed Signal Systems at University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez.
Other Experiences: Senior Member of IEEE, Senior Member of Instrument Society of America,
Book and Journal manuscript reviewer, Board Member of many organizations.
Roy G. Perry College of Engineering
current research
Fuller, John H., PhD, PE
Electrical and Computer
Engineering
Disciplinary Field:
Electrical Engineering
Research Interest: Electrical Engineering
Current Research I: Sensor Detector Application to Nuclear Materials
Current Research Outcome Expectations I: Nuclear material characterization and the design of
a portable nuclear detection device; Completion of the design of the Field PC sensor/detector
system in conjunction with an operational bench evaluation system; and research in nuclear
concentration systems.
Current Research II: Nationwide Consortium of Universities to Revitalize Electrical Power
Engineering Education by State of the Art Laboratories
Current Research Outcome Expectations II: Acquisition of two of the power electronics
laboratory stations or one station of the electric drives laboratory and become familiar with the
hardware and experiments; use the hardware and UMN-developed experiments in courses
deemed appropriate; modify the UMN experiments as needed for local needs and possibly
develop new experiments; disseminate the UMN laboratories and any modified experiments
to other regional universities, technical and community colleges. Ultimately, upgrade of power
and energy instruction in the undergraduate and graduate curriculum and upgrade laboratory
facilities and the use of software packages.
Current Research III: Enhancing the Electrical Engineering PhD Program
Current Research Outcome Expectations III: Support for PhD laboratory Development in the
power/energy laboratory and support PhD scholarships.
Current Research IV: NNSA’s Minority Serving Institution Partnership Program (MSIPP)
Current Research Outcome Expectations IV: Acquisition of two of the power electronics
laboratory stations or one station of the electric drives laboratory and become familiar with the
hardware and experiments; use the hardware and UMN-developed experiments in courses
deemed appropriate; disseminate the UMN laboratories and any modified experiments to other
regional universities, technical and community colleges. Ultimately, increase the number of
minority STEM graduates.
Obiomon, Pamela H., PhD
Electrical and Computer
Engineering
Disciplinary Field:
Electrical Engineering
Research Interest: Microelectronics and Digital Systems
Current Research: AGEP-T: Collaborative Research Advancing Interdisciplinary STEM
Graduate Education in Energy and Sustainability Disciplines
Current Research Outcome Expectations: Growth of the PhD program
Current Research: FPGA Based Smart Sensors
Current Research Outcome Expectations: Development of an FPGA-based CZT Nuclear
Radiation Detector and engage in collaborative research with Civil Engineering, Agriculture, and
Chemical Engineering/Biology. All research is being conducted in the FPGA laboratory at PV.
Current Research: Integrated Microsystems for Environmental Sensing Powered by Energy
Scavenging
Current Research Outcome Expectations: Development of miniature, low-cost integrated
Microsystems capable of gathering information from their environment, interpret the data
received and communicate with a host system over a bi-directional wireless link.
International Experience: Collaborating with faculty at the Federal University of Technology,
Owerri (FUTO) in Nigeria.
Zhang, Dongdong, PhD
Mechanical Engineering
Disciplinary Field:
Mechanical Engineering
Research Interest: Engineering
Current Research: Building a Learner-Centered Cyberlearning Environment in Computer-Aided
Design Education
Current Research Outcome Expectations: Enhance student learning of computer-aided
design (CAD) and promote lifelong learning skills by building a learner-centered and sustainable
cyberlearning environment. Ultimately, the research will provide an online electronic library
of CAD software screencast tutorials created by students and infuse in the teaching of CAD
software; provide students with solid hands-on skills on using CAD software; and provide
motivation and interest toward engineering and lifelong learning skills in the field.
Language: Chinese
18. - 32 - - 33 -
Roy G. Perry College of Engineering
Research interests
Perkins, Judy H., PhD
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Disciplinary Field:
Civil Engineering
Research Interest: Engineering
International Experience: Military assignments in Germany, Africa, South Korea
Shakir, Safwat H., PhD
Chemical Engineering
Disciplinary Field:
Environmental Science and
Engineering
Research Interest: Bioremediation Technology; Ecological Systems; Energy Systems;
Global Climate Change; Ecological Environmental Modeling
Toliver, Charlie L., PhD
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Disciplinary Field:
Electrical Engineering
Research Interest: Electrical Engineering
Reeves, Sheena M., PhD
Chemical Engineering
Disciplinary Field:
Chemical Engineering
Research Interest: Crystallization, Particle Science and Technology; Nanomaterial;
Material Science and Characterization
Zhou, Jianren, PhD
Mechanical Engineering
Disciplinary Field:
Mechanical Engineering
Research Interest: Mechanical Engineering
Languages: Chinese
Duan, Chang, PhD
Mechanical Engineering
Disciplinary Field:
Mechanical Engineering
Research Interest: Dynamics and Control
Languages: Mandarin Chinese
Rayegan, Rambod, PhD
Mechanical Engineering
Disciplinary Field:
Mechanical Engineering
Research Interest: Engineering
College of Juvenile Justice and Psychology
The College and the Texas Juvenile Crime Prevention Center are committed to excellence in education, training, prevention and
service. We engage students in a rigorous education that includes real-world research and project-based problem solving. Our
primary aim is to assist with the understanding of human behavior and the reduction of juvenile crime in the State of Texas.
Research Center
The Texas Juvenile Crime Prevention Center is committed to the reduction of juvenile delinquency and crime in the State of
Texas. Through the creation of the Center and the College, Prairie View A&M University supports this mission as it strives to attain
national recognition in the areas of education, research, and service in doing the following:
conducting, coordinating, collecting, and evaluating research in all areas relating to juvenile crime and delinquency;
providing a setting for educational programs relating to juvenile delinquency and crime, including degree programs at Prairie
View A & M University and other educational programs such as continuing education and in-service training for criminal justice
and social service professionals;
serving as a state and national resource for information on juvenile delinquency and crime; and
in connection with its research and educational programs:
• develop programs, policies, and strategies to address juvenile delinquency and crime and related social problems; and
• Create partnerships, collaborative efforts, or outreach, public service, or technical assistance programs to assist
communities, governmental agencies, or private entities to implement programs, policies, and strategies that address
juvenile delinquency and crime and related social problems.
19. - 34 - - 35 -
College of Juvenile Justice and Psychology
current research
Asby, Aisha T., PhD
Psychology
Disciplinary Field:
Psychology
Research Interest: Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Current Research: Substance Abuse and HIV/AIDS Prevention: The KAPOW Project
Current Research Outcome Expectation: Increase the number of individuals that are
aware of their HIV status; reduce risk behaviors of individual that test negative but
participate in high-risk behaviors; increase the protective factors of high-risk students
and same age individuals in the community in order to prevent, or reduce the use of
alcohol and other drugs and the health problems associated with such use.
Brown, Tamara, PhD
Psychology
Disciplinary Field:
Clinical Psychology
Research Interest: Substance use in African Americans; cultural factors
Current Research: Mental health functioning and use of services.
Buckler, Kevin G., PhD
Justice Studies
Disciplinary Field:
Criminal Justice
Research Interest: Crime and the media; court systems; Supreme Court decisions
Current Research: Media and fear of crime
Cintron, Myrna, PhD
Justice Studies
Disciplinary Field:
Criminal Justice
Research Interest: Crime/delinquency theory; juvenile gangs; drug use and control.
Current research: Multicultural/bilingual issues; racial and ethnic issues in criminal
justice.
Language: Spanish
Gibson, Camille, PhD
Justice Studies
Disciplinary Field:
Criminal Justice
Research Interest: Justice Studies: Juvenile Justice
Current Research: Evaluation of the African American Faith-Based Mental Health
Education and Awareness Initiative (A Hogg Foundation Grant)
Current Research Outcome Expectation: Evaluate the impact of the initiative on
improving awareness, attitudes, and perceptions of mental health recovery and wellness
among congregants and others; build the evaluation capacity of the churches.
Osho, Gbolahan S., PhD
Justice Studies
Disciplinary Fields:
Economics – Agricultural
Research Interest: Criminal/Justice Studies
Current Research: Social Risk Factors of Juvenile delinquency and Gang Membership
Current Research Outcome Expectation: Impacts of social risk factors on juvenile gang
membership.
Martin, Pamela PhD
Psychology
Disciplinary Fields:
Community Psychology
Research Interest: Theology, religion and hip hop, spirituality, faith development, racial/
ethnic identity, and achievement outcomes, especially in STEM disciplines
Current Research: Church and mental health
Metofe, Peter, PhD
Psychology
Disciplinary Fields:
Psychology
Research Interest: Multivariate statistics; personnel selection; survey research
Wilson, Derek, PhD
Psychology
Disciplinary Fields:
Community Psychology
Research Interest: African and African American mental health; positive culture and
mental health; Ubuntu; consciousness, connectedness, and competency.
Current Research: Youth radicalization.
College of Juvenile Justice and Psychology
current research
Dickson, Joe W., PhD
Psychology
Disciplinary Fields:
Clinical Psychology
Research Interest: HAdolescent risky sexual behavior and substance abuse; student
retention; program effectiveness.
Current Research: HIV/Substance abuse (SAMHSA Grant); College students substance
use and risky sexual behaviors; impact of court advocates on sex trafficking cases;
treatment team alliance predicting outcomes at an inpatient psychiatric hospital.
Substance Abuse and HIV/AIDS Prevention: The KAPOW Project
Current Research Outcome Expectation: Increase the number of individuals that are
aware of their HIV status; reduce risk behaviors of individual that test negative but
participate in high-risk behaviors; increase the protective factors of high-risk students
and same age individuals in the community in order to prevent, or reduce the use of
alcohol and other drugs and the health problems associated with such use.
Outcome - HIV testing for students and the surrounding community.
Outcome - Video Opportunities for Innovative Condom Education and Safer Sex
(VOICES/VOCES) – a 60-minute video-based culturally sensitive intervention followed by
facilitated group discussion.
Outcome – Community PROMISE – a community-level intervention designed to work
towards HIV prevention through education, distribution of materials and risk reduction
supplies.
Outcome – Positive Action – a comprehensive program designed to improve academic
achievement and decrease problem behaviors such as substance use, violence,
suspensions, disruptive behaviors, and sexual behavior.
20. - 36 - - 37 -
College of Nursing
The College, located in the Texas Medical Center, remains competitive in the quality and variety of programs offered inclusive with
the advances of technology, smart classrooms, transforming laboratories, study and research rooms and mutual partnerships.
Graduates are prepared to practice in a variety of settings and to assume leadership roles as socially responsible and accountable
professionals in response to the health needs of a rapidly changing, technological complex society.
Research Centers
Pending: The Prairie View Center for Nursing Research (PVCON) seeks to establish a research-intensive health equities
research program. The Health Equity, Awareness, Learning and Simulation Technology (HEALST pronounced “Health”)
Research Center will integrate and test the effect of virtual simulation technology pedagogy as a curricular method of lessening
health disparities as well as conduct exploratory health equity research and the influence of health policy. PVCON believes that
lessons learned in Houston -- the fourth largest and most diverse city in the nation -- and selected rural communities can be
applied to Texas as a whole and nationwide to ensure health equity for all Americans.
College of Nursing
Research interests
Dawkins, Vivian H., PhD
Nursing
Disciplinary Field:
Nursing
Research Interest: Nursing Practice
International Experience: Educational Consultant, Houston Methodist Hospital
International Services for program development with Mubadala and the Health Services
Ministries in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain in the UAE.
Other Experience: Nursing journal peer reviewer; academic program evaluation;
consulting for educational development; experienced in qualitative research methods.
Igbo, Immaculata N., PhD
Nursing
Disciplinary Field:
Pharmacology
Research Interest: Student Retention; Web-based education; Minority Health;
Cardiovascular disease.
Jones, Debbie A., MS
Nursing
Disciplinary Field:
Nursing
Research Interest: Mammography screening among African American women;
women with disabilities
Junious, DeMonica L., PhD
Nursing
Disciplinary Field:
Nursing Science
Research Interest: Nursing Administration; Nursing Leadership;
Transformational Leadership.
College of Nursing
current research
Caldwell, Mattie G., DNS, RN
Nursing
Disciplinary Field:
Nursing
Research Interest: Nursing – EBP; Nursing Practice/Clinical Care
Current Research: Substance Abuse and HIV/AIDS Prevention: The KAPOW Project
21. - 38 - - 39 -
The Prairie View A&M University Office of Research and Graduate Studies offers programs
in each of our eight colleges and schools, including Agriculture & Human Sciences, Arts & Sciences,
Business, Education, Engineering, Juvenile Justice & Psychology, Nursing, and Architecture, for a
total of 32 master’s and doctoral programs with various concentrations.
Prairie View A&M is home to many impressive and innovative research programs representing a wide
range of academic areas. Our scholars are leaders in their disciplinary fields, and their contributions
are world-renowned. The institutional imperative to Increase Applied and Basic Research gives
direction to the Office of Research to focus on development, enhancement, and advancement of
comprehensive research agenda. Utilizing the research-based centers and institutes to engage in
a variety of critical need research areas, multiple mechanisms of inquiry are employed to identify
solutions that advance the University’s tripartite mission of teaching, research and service.
Attending graduate school at Prairie View A&M University will open doors to inventive research
projects and boundless opportunities for career development and advancement.
For more information about any of the research projects or graduate programs listed,
please visit www.pvamu.edu/research
22. - 40 -
Wilhemina F. Delco Building, Suite 120
P.O. Box 519; MS 2800
Prairie View, TX 77446
(936) 261-1587
www.pvamu.edu/graduatestudies
@PVAMUresearch
Research at Prairie View A&M University