Seidel Names Inaugural Cohort of President’s Distinguished Innovation Fellows

Six University of Wyoming faculty members have been selected by President Ed Seidel for the inaugural cohort of the President’s Distinguished Innovation Fellows program.

The program recognizes the Fellows’ commitment to excellence in innovation and entrepreneurship that benefits Wyoming and the world.

The President’s Distinguished Innovation Fellows program celebrates UW faculty whose work advances the goals of the 2023+ Strategic Plan, particularly the university’s mission to serve as a catalyst for discovery, creativity and economic development across Wyoming. The program is supported through the Office of the President, the Office of Academic Affairs and the Research and Economic Development Division.

“These faculty embody the ingenuity and collaborative energy that drive the University of Wyoming’s role in shaping the future of our state and beyond,” Seidel says. “Their work not only advances their fields, but also strengthens our land-grant mission by creating opportunities for discovery, economic impact and student engagement. We are proud to recognize their achievements and invest in their continued success.”

Each Fellow receives $5,000 in discretionary funding to support innovative research and creative activity, including travel, equipment, graduate assistance and other scholarly needs aligned with university guidelines.

“Innovation is at the heart of Wyoming’s future. These Fellows exemplify how research and creativity can translate into real-world impact -- driving economic growth, solving complex challenges and inspiring the next generation of problem-solvers,” says Parag Chitnis, vice president for research and economic development. “They present the diverse expertise at UW and demonstrate how faculty research and creativity contribute to progress for Wyoming and beyond, highlighting the important role innovation plays in advancing the university’s mission.”

The Fellows will be formally recognized at an upcoming campus celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Members of the inaugural cohort are:

-- Maohong Fan, a professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering.

-- Ben Koger, an assistant professor in the School of Computing.

-- Kam Ng, a professor in the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering and Construction Management.

-- Mark Peterson, a professor in the Department of Management and Marketing.

-- Amy Shane-Nichols, an assistant professor in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences.

-- Whit Stewart, an associate professor in the Department of Animal Science.