The University of North Florida (UNF) has announced the addition of more than 50 new faculty members for the fall semester, increasing its active faculty to approximately 720. The new hires bring expertise in areas such as data science, cybersecurity, engineering, healthcare, coastal resilience, biochemistry, and transportation and logistics.
“We are thrilled to welcome this dynamic group of new faculty,” said UNF President Moez Limayem. “These distinguished educators and researchers, along with our current faculty, will continue to elevate the learning experience for our students and fuel meaningful scholarship, innovative collaboration and groundbreaking research that align with UNF’s strategic vision.”
Among the new faculty is Dr. Pegah Ghasemi, who joins as an assistant professor of civil engineering. Previously a research engineer at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center and a postdoctoral researcher at North Carolina State University, her work focuses on geotechnical and coastal engineering with an emphasis on bio-mediated soil improvement and coastal stabilization. At UNF, she will contribute to shoreline stabilization projects led by Dr. Raf Crowley.
“I look forward to collaborating with UNF researchers in the area of coastal resilience. With strong ties to industry partners and the university’s unique location along the dynamic northeast Florida coastline, it’s a perfect environment for my work in leveraging real-world conditions to advance innovative, nature-based solutions that protect vulnerable communities and shape the future of coastal engineering,” Ghasemi said.
Dr. Sunwoo Koo has joined as an assistant professor of microbiology and biochemistry after working at Texas A&M University and FUJIFILM Biotechnology. His research centers on developing biotherapeutics through protein and genetic engineering.
“I chose UNF because of the many exciting opportunities it offers, including the expansion of its biomedical science program, the development of interdisciplinary initiatives and goals outlined in the UNF Strategic Plan,” Koo stated.
Dr. Pruthvi Manjunatha is another addition as assistant professor of civil engineering. He previously managed a transportation technologies program called I-STREET at University of Florida that secured over $10 million in research grants under his leadership. His expertise includes traffic simulation, human factors in driver behavior, connected vehicle infrastructure, intelligent transportation systems, traffic operations and signal control.
Dr. Lyle McKinney joins as a professor in educational leadership from University of Houston where he co-founded the Education Research Lab-Houston. His research addresses college affordability and degree completion among community college students; he also collaborates internationally as a U.S. Fulbright Specialist.
Dr. Nan Niu began his role in July 2025 as RF-SMART and Morales Family Director of the School of Computing at UNF after academic positions at University of Cincinnati and Mississippi State University as well as industry experience at Lenovo.
“I chose UNF because of the visions and dedications of the leadership team, the collegial faculty and staff and the vibrant communities in one of the nation’s fastest-growing tech hubs,” Niu said.
Dr. Paige Pellaton is now an assistant professor in political science and public administration (PSPA), coming from teaching roles at University of California Center Sacramento. Her focus is American politics—specifically state legislatures—and she teaches courses on state/local politics as well as public policy.
“I chose UNF for the opportunity to collaborate with the outstanding faculty in the PSPA Department and to help shape the American political institutions curriculum. I was equally drawn to the chance to teach an engaged group of undergraduates who are passionate about civic participation and strengthening our democracy,” Pellaton noted.
Dr. Michael Szymanski has joined clinical and applied movement sciences following postdoctoral work at University of Connecticut’s Korey Stringer Institute (KSI). He will direct a new KSI “heat lab” facility at UNF focusing on how gut microbiome affects health during heat stress.
