National Organization Recognizes Researchers at UAlbany’s CNSE
ALBANY, N.Y. (June 12, 2026) — A national organization has recognized two assistant professors at UAlbany’s College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering with an award that supports their research.
Earning the Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award are Lu Li of CNSE’s Department of Environmental & Sustainable Engineering and Bariscan Yonel of its Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering.
The annual award is bestowed by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), a research consortium that this year selected just 36 awardees.
“By supporting the research and professional growth of these emerging leaders, ORAU is making a strategic investment in the advancement of science and innovation,” said Ashley Stowe, chief research and university partnerships officer at ORAU.
Great mentoring and teaching too
Li, who holds a PhD in civil and environmental engineering from the Division of Environment and Sustainability at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, is researching problems related to indoor air quality, thermal comfort and sustainable energy systems. In addition, she has established a lab for AI modeling and sensing and helped design a new course, Artificial Intelligence in the Built Environment.
A recommendation letter also cited Li’s mentoring of undergraduate, master’s and doctoral students. “This dedication to student success not only enhances UAlbany’s mission as a public research institution but also contributes to diversifying the next generation of engineers and researchers,” the letter noted.
Yonel, who holds a PhD in electrical, computer and systems engineering from Renssalaer Polytechnic Institute, is researching how to develop algorithms for computational imaging and high dimensional inference problems. This supports critical functions like disaster response and infrastructure monitoring and builds on his past work on radar systems, including synthetic aperture systems.
“He has also proven to be an excellent instructor,” added Gary Saulnier, professor and chair of the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, in a recommendation letter.
The award supports junior faculty in five disciplines, including engineering and applied science, physical sciences and mathematics and computer science. This year’s grants totaled $180,000. For more on the 2026-27 Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award, please go here.