by Morgan State U
August 14, 2026
Academic Affairs Outstanding Faculty Awards
Dr. Samia Kirchner, EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC AND/OR COMMUNITY SERVICE
Dr. Samia Kirchner leads sustained, community-driven partnerships that advance food access, environmental justice, youth development, and neighborhood resilience while engaging Morgan students in meaningful service-learning. Her grant-supported programs, university and professional leadership, and national recognition strengthen Morgan State’s role as an anchor institution committed to equitable, community-led change.
Professor Howard Mack, EXCELLENCE IN INSTRUCTION/PEDAGOGICAL INNOVATION
Professor Howard Mack pioneers community-based architectural education by integrating AI, BIM, virtual reality, digital fabrication, professional mentorship, and real-world partnerships into the curriculum. His innovative teaching has produced national competition success, more than 40 student internships, multiple teaching awards, and measurable growth in students’ technical skills, confidence, civic responsibility, and career readiness.
Professor Brent Sturlaugson, EXCELLENCE IN CREATIVITY
Professor Brent Sturlaugson integrates architecture, LiDAR, GIS, digital scanning, and fabrication to create an innovative mass-retrofit model for Baltimore rowhouses that advances affordable housing, historic preservation, sustainability, and spatial justice. His international recognition, creative leadership, interdisciplinary partnerships, and hands-on student engagement demonstrate an exceptional impact on architectural practice, education, and the community.
Dr. Samendra Serchan, EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH OR SCHOLARSHIP
Dr. Samendra Sherchan leads innovative research in environmental microbiology, climate health, wastewater epidemiology, and AI, supported by approximately $4.8 million in active NSF and NIH funding. With 75 peer-reviewed publications, 56 presentations, more than 5,250 citations, major national honors, and extensive mentorship and research-center leadership, he is highly deserving of the Excellence in Research or Scholarship Award.
Dr. Zheng Li, EXCELLENCE IN RESEARCH OR SCHOLARSHIP
Dr. Zheng Li pioneers computational-experimental research in nasal drug delivery and renewable-energy optimization, supported by more than $3 million in federal funding as principal investigator. His extensive publication record, international recognition, distinguished collaborations, and mentorship significantly strengthen Morgan State’s research capacity and impact. Like Dr. Serchan, Dr. Li is highly deserving of the Excellence in Research or Scholarship Award.
Contact Information
Division of Academic Affairs
Morgan State University
1700 East Cold Spring Lane
Baltimore, Maryland 21251
P: 443-885-3350
E: academicaffairs@morgan.edu
Contact Information
Division of Academic Affairs
Morgan State University
1700 East Cold Spring Lane
Baltimore, Maryland 21251
P: 443-885-3350
E: academicaffairs@morgan.edu