Faculty

Two retiring faculty members reflect on how they changed UofL’s graphic design program
If you put Steve Skaggs and Leslie Friesen in the same room, chances are they’ll tag team entire conversations with enthusiasm, finishing each other’s sentences and frequently lobbing compliments back and forth.
UofL astrophysics research-backed startup acquired
A machinery monitoring technology startup backed by University of Louisville astrophysics research and founded by a UofL alumnus has been acquired.
UofL astronomer and team discover most distant megamaser yet found – 5 billion light years away
Benne W. Holwerda, associate professor in the University of Louisville Department of Physics and Astronomy, and an international team of researchers have discovered a powerful megamaser – a radio-wavelength laser emission usually indicative of colliding galaxies – that is the most distant such megamaser found so far.
UofL professor shares endangered language books worldwide
Hilaria Cruz, an assistant professor of comparative humanities, began teaching a UofL course in endangered languages in 2019. Students helped her bring a very personal project to fruition at the end of 2021.
New director of UofL’s Anne Braden Institute wants more people to join ‘long chain of struggle’
Michael “Brandon” McCormack has been named director of UofL’s Anne Braden Institute for Social Justice Research. He is the institute’s first Black director, replacing co-founder and outgoing director Cate Fosl, who will stay engaged in the institute as a faculty fellow.
Art professor gets creative with invasive species
An associate professor in the Hite Art Institute is coming up with creative new ways to eradicate invasive plant species that threaten local ecosystems
Angela Storey (Anthropology) and Rachel Hopp (Biology) to receive the TILL Teaching Innovation Award
The TILL Teaching Innovation Award is an annual award which honors the University of Louisville’s outstanding faculty who demonstrate a commitment to student engagement and learning through their work on one or more innovative teaching practices.
Political Science Professor Jason Gainous wins UofL’s 2021 Trustees Award
Jason Gainous, department chair and professor of political science in the University of Louisville College of Arts & Sciences, is the recipient of the 2021 Trustees Award. The award, in its 32nd year, is UofL’s most prestigious faculty award, recognizing faculty members who have made significant contributions to student life.
New UofL program helps ‘ascending star’ researchers shine brighter
The new Ascending Star Fellowship provides mentorship, funding and other support to high-performing associate professors. The goal is to boost the national impact of the fellows’ scholarship, with a heavy focus on work in diversity, inclusion and community empowerment.
Fine Arts Prof. Ché Rhodes named Educator of the Year by Louisville Visual Art
Ché Rhodes, professor of glass at UofL’s Hite Art Institute, has been named “Educator of the Year” by Louisville Visual Art, the area’s largest arts collective. He’ll receive the honor at the third annual Louisville Visual Art Honors Luncheon 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on February 7, 2020.
A&S Faculty earn literary artist awards
It Do Take Nerve: Drag as a Subversive Tool of Resistance
The Speed Art Museum to hold a drag show and open conversation with WFPL’s “Strange Fruit” podcast co-hosts Dr. Kaila Story and Jaison Gardner for the exhibition: "Breaking the Mold: Investigating Gender at the Speed Art Museum.”The event is part of the Dialogues on Gender series
2018 A&S Awards
Congratulations to this year's honorees.
UofL presents exhibition celebrating drawing and teaching of James Grubola
Women's Basketball junior forward Sam Fuehring (Communication) on her favorite faculty member Ralph Merkel
UofL Women's Basketball is celebrating UofL’s faculty and staff at its Dec. 5 game versus UT Martin. Before they take the court, we asked Sam Fuehring (Communication student) on her favorite faculty member, Ralph Merkel and interviewed Prof. Merkel about his experiences at UofL.
Prof. Sergio Mendes (Physics) working on early detection of the flu
University of Louisville researchers are working on a potential breakthrough for early detection of influenza, pneumonia, eye infections and maybe even cancer.
Prof. Tim Dowling (Physics & Astronomy) on Science Friday with Ira Flatow
Tim Dowling was recently interviewed by Public Radio's Ira Flatow on Science Friday about the ice giants Uranus and Neptune.
Nefertiti Burton (Theatre Arts) discusses her grant to help West Louisville playwrights
Nefertiti Burton discusses her grant to help West Louisville playwrights.
Rachid Tagoulla is a guest lecturer from Morocco helping with Arabic Studies
Rachid Tagoulla is a English teacher from Morocco who's at UofL this year helping with Arabic Studies.
Prof. Matt Ruther on health care insurance and access for LGBT adults
Kentucky State Data Center Director Matt Ruther on health care insurance and access for LGBT adults.