UNF welcomes experts in AI, bioinformatics, public policy, neuroscience among new faculty

The University of North Florida welcomes more than 30 new faculty members this fall.   

These educators and researchers add to UNF’s expertise across a wide range of high-impact fields, including AI, cybersecurity, bioinformatics, coastal resilience, advanced manufacturing, public policy and neuroscience.  

They bring the University’s active faculty count to around 750. Across UNF’s six colleges, UNF faculty are known for their research excellence and academic expertise.  

Last year, UNF realized the largest percentage increase in performance-based funding metrics established by the Florida State University System Board of Governors in its 13-year history, largely due to dedicated faculty who are committed to delivering high-quality educational experiences and supporting student success. 

"UNF's faculty are recognized for their commitment to excellence in teaching, research and service, and their work continues to elevate the University in critical ways,” said UNF Executive Vice President and Provost Karen B. Patterson, PhD. “This year's incoming faculty cohort brings expertise in high-demand and emerging fields. Their presence at UNF strengthens our ability to address complex challenges, advance discovery and provide students with access to cutting-edge knowledge and real-world learning opportunities.” 

Below is an introduction to several of the additions to UNF’s faculty this year.  

Dr. Shiva Arabi, assistant professor in construction management, is an expert in using AI and remote sensing data to automate the monitoring and maintenance of civil infrastructure, aiming to advance AI-driven solutions for the built environment. She joins UNF after serving as a postdoctoral researcher at the Villanova Center for Resilient Water Systems at Villanova University. 

Dr. Yuanzhe Peng, assistant professor in computing, brings expertise in distributed intelligence, multiagent systems, secure and trustworthy AI, and resilient cyber physical infrastructure. He joins UNF from University of Florida, where he recently completed his PhD in electrical and computer engineering. 

Dr. Robert Fournier, assistant professor in biology, is an expert in using large datasets to understand risks to estuarine fisheries/food webs. He joins UNF from dual postdoctoral research appointments at UC Santa Barbara and UC Berkeley. 

Dr. Tyler Grimes, assistant professor in mathematics and statistics, is a biostatistician who works on a wide variety of topics, including childhood pneumonia, cancer and vaccines. He is returning to UNF after teaching for a few years and working in industry as a bioinformatics expert for clinical pharmaceutical trials. 

Dr. Sangjin Jung, assistant professor in advanced manufacturing engineering, is an expert in computational design methods for metal additive manufacturing including using AI. He joins UNF from serving as an assistant professor in mechanical, aerospace and materials engineering at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.  

Dr. Rory Renzy, assistant professor in political science and public administration, is a public policy expert with a focus on local economic development, entrepreneurship, urban policy, HOAs and housing. He comes to UNF after finishing his PhD at Georgia State University.  

Dr. Dominque Rose, assistant professor in public health, is an expert on teen driving safety, injury prevention and the impact of housing instability on teens. She comes to UNF after serving as a research scientist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. 

Dr. Jack Shelley-Tremblay, new chair of psychological and brain sciences, is a cognitive neuroscientist and expert researcher specializing in the interaction of visual attention and reading processes, including how to address reading disabilities. He comes to UNF after serving as chair of the psychology department and director of the Applied Psychophysiology Lab at University of South Alabama. 

Dr. Samira Vafay Eslahi, assistant professor in electrical engineering, is an expert in engineering improvements for medical imaging such as improving MRI scans. She comes to UNF after serving as assistant professor of practice in electrical and biomedical engineering at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.