Jonsson School Innovators and Leaders Honored at Annual Investiture Ceremony

Outstanding faculty at The University of Texas at Dallas were recognized in spring 2025 at the University’s annual Investiture Ceremony. The five recipients from the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science who were honored will receive endowed funding to help them achieve their research and academic goals. This year, the University recognized a record 23 faculty members total, which is the highest number since the inaugural investiture ceremony was held in 2012.

Students and colleagues introduced the faculty, noting their research accomplishments as well as their contributions in the classroom. Dr. Richard C. Benson, president of UT Dallas and holder of the Eugene McDermott Distinguished University Chair of Leadership, and Dr. Inga Musselman, provost and vice president for academic affairs, professor of chemistry and Cecil H. Green Distinguished Chair of Academic Leadership, awarded medallions to each recipient.

“We are here to celebrate more than just academic excellence,” said Navnil Choudhury, a PhD student in computer engineering, who introduced Dr. Kanad Basu, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering. “We are here to honor a mentor, a visionary and a guiding force whose influence ranges far beyond his technical papers and research milestones.”

“I am really thankful to a lot of people here,” Basu said. “My parents, my mother-in-law who traveled from India to attend the ceremony, my students, my department head. I also want to thank the teachers throughout my life, as we are fundamentally teachers. My father has been instrumental in achieving what I am here for today. He has helped inculcate the search for the unknown.”

Dr. Shuang “Cynthia” Cui, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering, was introduced by PhD student Bernadette Magalindan who said, “In the last three years that I received her visionary guidance, I achieved more than imagined possible. Dr. Cui has instilled in me and my peers the confidence to achieve excellence.”

Cui said, “This recognition means a lot to me. It’s not just a big personal milestone, but it is also a reflection of people who have supported and inspired me throughout my journey.”

Dr. Xianming “Simon” Dai, an associate professor of mechanical engineering, was introduced by Dylan Boylan, who has served in his lab for four years as a PhD student.

“Dr. Dai’s research has a huge impact on energy sustainability as well as the environment, and it has really inspired me and helped me to do a PhD myself,” Boylan said.

Dai acknowledged his family’s encouragement. “There are many ways to be successful. I only know one, and that is hard work. So I’d like to thank my wife, especially, for your support over these years.”

Student Ambassador Jacob Roy introduced Dr. Yichen Ding, an assistant professor of bioengineering.

“When I started my lab in 2020, I never imagined an opportunity like this,” Ding said. “I really appreciate the mentorship, the support, the inspiration I received from my colleagues, my mentors, my students and my family over the past several years.”

Finally, Dr. William Anderson, professor of mechanical engineering, former Eugene McDermott Distinguished Professor and assistant dean for research in the Jonsson School, introduced Dr. Edward White, professor and head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. White intends to use funds from his endowment to support student groups.

“Although he is naturally very pleased and proud of his research, his true source of pride is derived from mentoring students,” Anderson said.

White said that he appreciated the show of support since joining the University in 2024.

“It’s been truly remarkable, and I’m grateful to be here,” White said. “I feel like accepting this award, is a personal honor, but it’s made my arrival here and the work I hope to do such a pleasure.”