Office of Faculty Affairs

The Forum

From the Desk of the Vice Provost

Dear Colleagues,

I’m pleased to share the first 2026 edition of The Forum. Despite the recent winter weather challenges, the energy across our campus remains high as we dive into the spring semester.

This month, we celebrate some truly "stellar" achievements. The national spotlight is on NJIT following the inclusion of our Center for Solar-Terrestrial Research in the White House’s latest Science and Technology report. We also celebrate Dr. Wen Zhang, whose induction as a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors highlights the caliber of talent within our ranks.

To support your continued success, we have an upcoming Chairs and Academic Leaders Workshop on February 10, or drop into our Faculty Friday sessions. Notably, our February session will provide actionable insights on how to position yourself for prestigious national awards.

Thank you for all you do to make NJIT a premier destination for innovation.

Omowunmi “Wunmi” Sadik, Ph.D. Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs,
Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Environmental Science

Faculty Spotlight

Wen Zhang Named Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors

Zhang is pioneering research in the production and application of nanobubbles and leads the Sustainable Environmental Nanotechnology and Nanointerfaces Laboratory. Zhang’s nanobubble research has garnered over $1.5M in grants from the USDA, the EPA and the NSF, supporting nanobubble science and engineering.

Wenda Cao, PhD

Director, Big Bear Solar Observatory

Professor of Physics

NJIT's Center for Solar Terrestrial Research at Big Bear Solar Observatory has been highlighted in the White House's Science and Technology Report.

The new optical system has been used to capture the most detailed images to date of the complex movements in the sun's atmosphere, the corona. This technology will allow scientists to better understand the extreme nature of the corona. It will also more accurately predict space weather and potential Earth-impacting solar flares.

Upcoming Events

Spring Chairs & Academic Leaders Workshop

Elevate your leadership: Sessions include - Resolving Conflict with Confidence: An intensive 90-minute session led by Elyzza Zylbershlag of Work Wise Labs; Mentoring Excellence; Launch of the Chairs Council.
Feb 10 | 8:30 a.m. – 12 noon | Eberhardt 112

New Faculty Development Workshop

2-day workshop series to enhance the academic careers of NJIT tenure-track faculty and university lecturers. Will explore and share evidence-based best practices and refreshers for other pre-tenured faculty members.
Feb 19 & 20 | 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | CKB 116
More info and to RSVP

Faculty Fridays

Faculty Awards - Elevating Your Profile: How do you turn groundbreaking research and dedicated service into national prestige?
Planned Giving Overview for Faculty at NJIT: Discover how you can create an enduring impact and secure your financial well-being.
Feb 6 | 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | CKB 116
RSVP

New Jersey Institute of Technology

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