UNF welcomes T&L, data science, engineering, biochemistry researchers among new faculty
The University of North Florida welcomes more than 50 new faculty members this fall.
These educators and researchers add to UNF’s expertise across a wide range of high-impact fields, including data science, cybersecurity, engineering, healthcare, coastal resilience, biochemistry and transportation and logistics. They bring the University’s active faculty count to around 720 esteemed academics.
“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.”
Below is an introduction to several of the additions to UNF’s faculty this year.
Dr. Pegah Ghasemi is a new assistant professor of civil engineering. She was formerly a research engineer at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center and, prior to that, a postdoctoral researcher at North Carolina State University.
Her research sits at the intersection of geotechnical and coastal engineering, laboratory and field testing of soil, with a focus on bio-mediated soil improvement, scour and erosion, and coastal stabilization—particularly dune erosion prevention. At UNF, she will contribute to the ongoing shoreline stabilization efforts led by Dr. Raf Crowley.
She holds a Ph.D. in civil engineering from North Carolina State University, an M.S. in civil engineering from Sharif University of Technology in Iran, and a B.S. in computational engineering science from the University of Tehran.
“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.”
Dr. Sunwoo Koo joins the faculty as an assistant professor of microbiology and biochemistry with a background in academia, research and development. Prior to joining UNF, he was an assistant professor of research at Texas A&M for three years, and then moved into industry, working on gene therapy and monoclonal antibody at FUJIFILM Biotechnology.
Koo’s primary research focuses on the development of biotherapeutics by leveraging protein engineering and genetic engineering.
Koo earned his Ph.D. in biomedical science from Texas A&M University and a bachelor’s degree in biophysics from Iowa State University.
“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.”
Dr. Pruthvi Manjunatha is a new assistant professor of civil engineering. He was formerly a research assistant professor in civil and coastal engineering at University of Florida where he managed a transportation technologies program called I-STREET. The program was awarded research grants worth more than $10 million under Manjunatha’s leadership.
His research expertise is in traffic simulation, human factors and driver behavior, connected and autonomous vehicle (CAV) infrastructure, intelligent transportation systems, traffic operations and signal control. He recently delivered a report on paratransit services in Florida to the Florida senate transportation committee.
He holds a doctor of philosophy in civil engineering from University of Florida.
Dr. Lyle McKinney joins the Silverfield College of Education and Human services as a professor of educational leadership. He comes from the University of Houston where he served as a professor of higher education leadership and policy studies. He is the co-founder and co-director of the Education Research Lab-Houston.
McKinney’s research focuses on innovative approaches to improving college affordability and degree completion among student populations, particularly those who attend community colleges. As a U.S. Fulbright Specialist, he conducts collaborative research projects with faculty and administrators at Corporacion Universitaria Minuto de Dios (UNIMINUTO) in Bogotá, Colombia.
He earned his doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Florida in 2010.
Dr. Nan Niu joined UNF in July 2025 as the RF-SMART and Morales Family Director of the School of Computing. He has worked in academia, industry and government. Before joining UNF, he was an associate professor at the University of Cincinnati, an assistant professor at Mississippi State University and a software developer at Lenovo.
His research interests are in software engineering, multimedia and human-centered computing, requirements engineering in machine learning, continuous deployment and model-driven contexts.
He holds a doctor of philosophy in computer science from the University of Toronto and a master of computing science from the University of Alberta.
"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."
Dr. Paige Pellaton is a new assistant professor of political science and public administration (PSPA) in the College of Arts and Sciences. She previously was an adjunct assistant professor at the University of California Center Sacramento.
She studies American politics, with a focus on state legislatures, committee systems and legislative productivity. Currently, she is engaged in a number of projects exploring how interest groups shape policymaking and voting behavior within committees. She teaches courses on state and local politics, public policy and congressional politics.
She holds a doctor of philosophy and a master’s degree in political science from the University of California, Davis, and a bachelor’s in political science from New College of Florida.
“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.”
Dr. Michael Szymanski is a new assistant professor in clinical and applied movement sciences. He comes to UNF from a postdoctoral appointment at the University of Connecticut’s (UConn) Korey Stringer Institute (KSI) and EC Lee Lab. He will be responsible for serving as the director of the new KSI “heat lab” research facility at UNF in collaboration with UConn. Szymanski has been a licensed clinical practitioner since 2017.
He has experience in applied, clinical and basic sciences as well as technical expertise in surgical and clinical techniques, applied physiology protocols, cellular/molecular biology, biochemistry and immunology. He is currently developing a line of research investigating how the gut microbiome impacts health and stress resilience, with an emphasis on exertional heat stress.
Szymanski received his doctor of philosophy in exercise physiology from the University of Connecticut, his master’s in exercise physiology from Central Michigan University and a bachelor's in athletic training from Salisbury University in Maryland.