New Faculty Introduce Their Work at Rapid-Fire Pecha Kucha

A man in glasses wearing a shirt and tie stands at a podium in front of a projection of words including "distrust, nonprofits, police and local politicians"
Justin Zimmerman, assistant professor of political science, explains his research into race, class and distrust of organizations in a one-minute presentation Monday. (Photos by Brian Busher)

ALBANY, N.Y. (Sept. 19, 2023) — Thirty-two newly hired faculty introduced themselves and their work Monday at a Pecha Kucha, a rapid series of one-minute, one-slide presentations.

A woman stands at a podium next to a projection of interlocking circles
Barbara Giunti, assistant professor of mathematics and statistics, explains how her work combines abstract mathematical principles and data analysis. ​

The event was hosted by the Office of the Provost and held in the Performing Arts Center’s main theatre, with a reception following in the Futterer Lounge.

The idea, Provost Carol Kim said, was to offer “high-level, quick and fun” insight into the research and background of the new hires, both as an introduction and an opportunity for collaboration with colleagues.

The University added 40 new faculty members this semester, and searches are continuing for nine more, Kim said. That includes 27 new faculty who study artificial intelligence across many disciplines, from computer science to social welfare to philosophy.

Here are the new faculty members who presented at the Pecha Kucha.

College of Arts and Sciences

Alesandra Buccella, Philosphy

Soma Dash, Biology

Sarah Domoff, Psychology

Barbara Giunti, Mathematics and Statistics

Zheng Wu, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences

Zi Yang, Mathematics and Statistics

College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering

Nathan Dahlin, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Xin Li, Computer Science

Jeff Offutt, Computer Science

Seetal Potluri, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Weilan Zhang, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering

College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity

Abdulhamit Subasi, Information Sciences and Technology

Eric Best, Emergency Management and Homeland Security

Angel Ford, Information Sciences and Technology

Phung Lai, Information Sciences and Technology

Ariel Pinto, professor and chair, Cybersecurity

Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy

Stefan Kehlenbach, Political Science

Bo Li, Public Administration and Policy

Kayla Schwoerer, Public Administration and Policy

Justin Zimmerman, Political Science

Jason Robey, School of Criminal Justice

School of Business

Sukwoong Choi, Information Technology Management

Yeasung Jeong, Information Technology Management

School of Education

Haesol Bae, Educational Theory and Practice

Jonathan Foster, Educational Theory and Practice

Elizabeth Jach, Educational Policy and Leadership

School of Public Health

Jessica Castner, director, Nursing Program

Muntasir Masum, Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Melonie Walcott, Health Policy, Management and Behavior

Xin Wang, Epidemiology and Biostatistics

School of Social Welfare

Cheng Ren

Angie Wootton