2026 Election Results – Council of Principal Investigators

Nominees were asked to confirm their nomination by providing a brief statement on why they want to serve if elected. These statements, with links (if available) to the PI’s home page, are posted below. See the full College/Unit CPI seat allocations for 2026-2027.

2026-2027 CPI election results are noted below.

Vice Chair

Athrey, Giridhar ‘Giri’, (Poultry Science) – “I am honored to be nominated for the position of Vice Chair of the Council of Principal Investigators. I have represented the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences on the Council since 2022, and on the Executive Council since 2025.

I am an Associate Professor and Associate Department Head in the Department of Poultry Science, where I lead a program centered on multi-omics and computational approaches in animal, environmental, and human health contexts. My research has been funded by the USDA, DoD, NSF, the State of Texas, and private foundations. Some of my work has also produced intellectual property and a spin-out company, and these translational and entrepreneurial aspects shape how I think about moving research toward real-world impact. I teach both undergraduate genetics and graduate genomics and bioinformatics, and I am a member of the graduate faculty in Entomology, Food Science & Technology, and the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology program. Through these networks, I feel well connected to faculty needs and concerns, especially those that call for an interdisciplinary perspective on research, infrastructure, and training priorities.

I also bring service experience beyond my department. I previously chaired the NC1170 USDA Multistate Research Project, coordinating investigators across institutions toward shared scientific goals, and I regularly serve on review panels for both the USDA and the NIH. Over the last two years, I have functioned as liaison to the COALS/AgriLife leadership team, advocating for our faculty’s interests.

As Vice Chair, my priorities would center on representing PI interests during a period of significant change in federally funded research; shifting funding priorities and budgets, along with evolving agency expectations, require concerted effort to proactively advocate for investigators. At the same time, disruptive technologies are reshaping how we conduct research and educate students. I hope to help the CPI and faculty navigate these shifts thoughtfully, ensuring that PI voices shape how our institution adapts.”

Agriculture and Life Sciences

Gentry, Terry (Soil and Crop Sciences) – “I am honored to be nominated for the CPI representing the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. I joined Texas A&M in 2006 as an Assistant Professor of Soil and Aquatic Microbiology in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences. Now a Professor, my research program focuses on a variety of applied microbial processes including detection and remediation of soil and water contamination and sustainability of intensive agricultural systems. I have directed numerous projects through which I have mentored 50 graduate students and 12 postdoctoral research associates. I have authored/co-authored 121 peer-reviewed journal articles in addition to leading textbooks on Environmental Microbiology and Soil Microbiology. I am a Fellow of the American Society of Agronomy and Soil Science Society of America. I have served on several Texas A&M committees including the Research Development Fund Advisory Committee; Academic Freedom Council; and Committee on Academic Freedom, Responsibility, and Tenure. I have had the privilege of collaborating with numerous other PIs in College Station and at several Texas A&M System universities and research centers throughout the state. This is a critical time for PIs at Texas A&M to engage with new leadership. I will use my research and academic experience to represent the interests of the PI community through the CPI as we navigate ongoing changes to the research landscape.”
White-Springer, Sarah (Animal Science) – “I am honored to be re-nominated to serve on the Council of Principal Investigators as a representative for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Over the past three years, it has been a privilege to serve on the CPI, and I have greatly valued the opportunity to engage with colleagues across Texas A&M to support and strengthen our research enterprise. This experience has deepened my appreciation for the vital role CPI plays in fostering a collaborative, innovative, and nationally competitive research environment, and I am eager to continue contributing to this important mission. I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Animal Science, with a research program focused on skeletal muscle energetics and health across multiple species, including humans. My work is strengthened by interdisciplinary collaborations with colleagues in the College of Education & Human Development, College of Medicine, and College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, reflecting my commitment to integrative and impactful research. I have received funding from federal entities, commodity groups, as well as private companies, giving me a broad perspective on both the diversity of funding opportunities available to investigators and the challenges that accompany them. Through my service on CPI, I have sought to represent the interests of researchers across disciplines, and if re-elected, I will continue to serve as a strong and thoughtful advocate for investigators within my college and across the university. I remain committed to ensuring modern, sustainable support for research endeavors and to advancing a research environment that benefits students, faculty, and staff alike.”

Architecture

Yu, Siyu (Landscape Architecture & Urban Planning) – “I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning and a core faculty member with the Hazard Reduction and Recovery Center. My scholarship promotes multi-hazard resilience by investigating community networks of land use plans and policies, and vulnerability to natural hazards. I have received external research grants as PI or Co-PI totaling over $17 million, funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Department of Energy (DOE), the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), and others. I was selected as a 2023 NSF Ocean Decade Champion, a 2023 Early-Career Research Fellow and a 2025 Clock Whisperer Award from the National Academics of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. I have been included in the Pool of Experts for the United Nations (UN) Regular Process for Global Reporting and Assessment of the State of the Marine Environment. I would be honored to serve on the CPI as a representative of PIs in the College of Architecture. If elected, I will be committed to: 1) encouraging the development of researchers and research capabilities across the TAMU campus, especially for early career scholars and social scientists; 2) representing the research voices and capacities within the College of Architecture as a leader for understanding the interactions between the built and natural environments; and 3) encouraging programming that proactively engages students in research.”

Arts & Sciences

Moscarello, Justin (Psychological & Brain Sciences) – “I am an Associate Professor of Behavioral and Cellular Neuroscience in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. My research explores the neural mechanisms of experience-dependent behavioral modification, with an emphasis on stress-induced plasticity in circuits underlying fundamental forms of learning and memory. Work in my lab sits at the intersection of psychology and systems neuroscience with potential applications for the mental health effects of acute stress and trauma. This interdisciplinary approach spans multiple levels of analysis from neurophysiology to ethology to clinical science and is thus inherently collaborative. I have received research funding from the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation, as well as intramural sources. My interest in CPI stems from the challenging climate we face as scientists and researchers, on a national level but also right here at Texas A&M. Recent changes to shared governance make CPI an indispensable voice for faculty in a challenging time, and it is more crucial than ever that CPI pushes our institution to support scholars as we continue to innovate despite current headwinds. As a CPI representative, I would advocate for increased intramural support for investigators navigating an uncertain funding landscape and for meaningful reductions in the administrative burden placed on faculty. I would also advocate for the development and continuing maintenance of high-quality research infrastructure as well as strong institutional commitment to cross-disciplinary collaboration and initiatives. I see CPI as an opportunity to support my colleagues by promoting the needs of those doing the creative work that makes this university a world-class institution.”

Business (Mays Business School)

Lane, Katy (Center for International Business Studies) – “I am a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Management and Director of the Center for International Business Studies. I have worked at Texas A&M for 16 years and enjoyed serving as a member of the CPI for the past 3 years. As a member of CPI, I will continue to collaboratively work with colleagues and administration to advance policies that enhance our research environment. I am particularly passionate about programs that actively engage students in the research enterprise, fostering their growth and participation in scholarly inquiry.”

Education & Human Development

Lara-Alecio, Rafael (Educational Psychology) – “Rafael Lara-Alecio is a TAMU System Regents Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology and the Founder (2013) and Director of the Center for Research and Development in Dual Language and Literacy Acquisition (CDRLLA) in the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD).

His scholarship centers on the development, empirical testing, and validation of theoretical models and measurement instruments for studying academic English language development and classroom learning processes, grounded in educational and instructional psychology and cognitive science. His Four-Dimensional Bilingual Pedagogical Theory is among the few classroom observation frameworks validated across thousands of classrooms. His research advances understanding of the cognitive, linguistic, and socio-cultural processes underlying bilingual and dual language learning and their impact on academic achievement. His work has also informed the design of evidence-based learning environments and contributed directly to educational policy, including leading the elementary-level revisions of the Texas English Language Proficiency Standards and conducting the large-scale analyses used by the Texas Education Agency to establish statewide proficiency levels.

Dr. Lara-Alecio has authored or co-authored over 250 publications, including books, chapters, technical reports, and the co-edited Handbook of Educational Theories. He has led externally funded research as PI or Co-PI totaling $136M, including a recent $15M Expansion Grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

He has extensive leadership experience, serving on Promotion and Tenure committees, the TAMU Council of Principal Investigators (CPI) and its Executive Committee, Faculty Senate, Research Compliance Committee, and as Chair of the Graduate Academic Appeals Panel. He has also contributed to major university initiatives, including the Provost Search Committee and Presidential Senior Advisory Council.

If elected to CPI, Dr. Lara-Alecio will advocate for faculty priorities, including indirect costs, grant support, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evolving IRB requirements. He will work to strengthen research infrastructure, support junior faculty advancement, and ensure active, in-person CPI meeting representation to effectively advance CEHD priorities at the university level.”

Engineering

Benzerga, Amine (Aerospace Engineering and Materials Science & Engineering) – “I am honored to have been nominated to serve on the Council of Principal Investigators (CPI) as a representative of the College of Engineering. As a Professor in Aerospace Engineering, Group Lead for Materials & Structures, with a secondary appointment in Materials Science and Engineering, I am running for the CPI to advocate for a transition from a “volume-based” research culture to a “prestige-based” one. Having been at Texas A&M for over 20 years, my perspective is shaped by extensive service to the College of Engineering, including terms on CETPAC, the Awards Committee, and the Department of Aerospace Engineering’s P&T Committee. These roles have given me a clear-eyed understanding of the metrics that drive faculty success and the administrative hurdles that often impede it. While TAMU’s research expenditures are a point of pride, our ultimate goal must be global scholarly preeminence. I believe the CPI should proactively advise the administration to prioritize the “Prestige Loop”, that is, investing in the infrastructure, internal seeding, and administrative streamlining that allow our PIs to produce world-leading scholarly work. By focusing on fundamental impact and high-visibility centers rather than merely chasing incremental funding, we can propel more of our faculty into the global top 2% of their fields. My goal on the Council is to ensure that our research policies empower PIs to pursue the type of transformational science that defines a world-class institution.”
Casteneda-Lopez, Homero (Materials Science & Engineering) – “I am honored to be nominated for the Council of Principal Investigators as a representative of the College of Engineering PIs. I view this role as an important responsibility: ensuring that PI perspectives and ideas are effectively integrated into institutional strategy to maximize research excellence at Texas A&M University. I joined Texas A&M as an Associate Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering in March 2015 and was promoted to Professor in 2021. My research bridges fundamental science and engineering-scale applications, focusing on the performance of materials in extreme environments. Through my work, I quantify, characterize, and mitigate degradation mechanisms to extend service life and preserve the integrity of critical material assets for real-world applications. My research program has been supported by federal agencies and industry partners, including the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, Department of Transportation, Department of Commerce, and several Fortune 500 companies. These experiences have reinforced my appreciation for both fundamental and applied research and their impact on national and international priorities. In addition, my leadership roles in national and international scientific societies—including The Electrochemical Society, Association for Materials Protection and Performance, International Society of Electrochemistry, and ASM International—have provided me with experience in developing and implementing effective administrative and organizational practices. I am excited to bring this experience and my strong commitment to service to the CPI. My goal is to serve as an effective and collaborative link between faculty and administration, advancing our shared vision of delivering societal impact through groundbreaking research. Over my 16-year academic career, I have served as PI or Co-PI on research grants totaling more than $45 million, with approximately $12 million directly supporting my research activities. I am also a Fellow of the Association for Materials Protection and Performance.”
Diaz Artiles, Ana (Aerospace Engineering) – “I am honored to have been nominated to serve on the Council of Principal Investigators. I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Texas A&M University and Director of the Bioastronautics and Human Performance Laboratory. My research focuses on human physiology and performance in extreme environments, particularly in the context of spaceflight and aerospace medicine, and is supported by agencies including NASA and other national and international collaborators. Over the past several years, I have led multidisciplinary and multi-institutional research efforts involving engineering, physiology, medicine, and human subjects research across both U.S. and international institutions. These experiences have given me a strong appreciation for the opportunities created by interdisciplinary collaboration, but also for the administrative and regulatory challenges that often accompany this type of work. In particular, navigating IRB processes, coordinating across institutions and countries, and managing the operational demands of human subjects research can require substantial time and effort from investigators and research teams. If elected, I would be committed to supporting the PI community by helping communicate researcher perspectives, identifying opportunities to improve research processes and efficiency, and contributing to a collaborative and supportive environment for faculty conducting research across campus. I care deeply about maintaining Texas A&M’s strong research reputation and supporting the people who make that possible.”
Lee, Kiju (Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution) – “I am honored to accept the nomination for election to serve on the CPI as a representative for the College of Engineering. Through leading interdisciplinary research initiatives in robotics, human-robot interaction, and applied autonomous systems supported by federal agencies and industry partners, I have gained firsthand experience navigating the opportunities and challenges associated with building collaborative and translational research programs. If elected, I would be committed to representing and advocating for the diverse needs of the PI community across engineering and interdisciplinary research domains. I am particularly interested in strengthening the research ecosystem that supports innovation, collaborative partnerships, student training, and the translation of research into real-world impact. I look forward to contributing to constructive dialogue between faculty researchers and university leadership to help advance Texas A&M’s research mission and foster a supportive and forward-looking research environment.

Medicine

Sitcheran, Raquel (Cell Biology and Genetics) – “I am honored to be nominated to represent the Naresh K. Vashisht College of Medicine (VCOM) on the Council of Principal Investigators. As an Associate Professor in Cell Biology & Genetics, I lead a research program focused on the molecular mechanisms of mitochondrial metabolism, immunometabolism, and stress signaling in adult and pediatric glioma. My program has been funded by the NIH (NCI, NINDS) and CPRIT. My perspective is shaped by a diverse career path, from building an independent program as an Assistant Professor to serving as a Program Officer at the NIH through the IPA Mobility Program, a role that provided me with a unique ‘behind-the-curtain’ view of federal research funding and agency priorities. Having reviewed extensively for the NIH, DoD, and private foundation grants, I also possess a deep understanding of how funding decisions are made across a range of agencies and mechanisms. My service record reflects a sustained commitment to strengthening the research community beyond my own program. I have served on the University Faculty Senate (Planning and Research Committees), the Animal Research Advisory Committee to the TAMU Vice President of Research, a VCOM Dean Search Committee and most recently, the VCOM Research Advisory Committee. I have also supported junior colleagues in securing R01 funding through service on Grant Advisory Committees and have served on the Executive Committees of the Medical Sciences and Genetics and Genomics Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs. These roles have provided me with direct insight into research administration and leadership at the College and University levels. If elected, I will advocate for resources and streamlined processes that will bolster grant success and ensure that VCOM’s specific needs are met through university-level decision-making. I am committed to being a visible, accessible, and effective voice for our PI community, ensuring that our unique challenges and priorities are heard and addressed.”

Nursing

Wilson, Kelly (College of Nursing) – “As a Professor in the Texas A&M University College of Nursing and former Associate Dean for Research, I am honored to serve as a CPI representative to advocate for the needs and interests of our research community. My work focuses on advancing adolescent, women’s, and population health through community-engaged systems, school and healthcare partnerships, and innovative service delivery models that improve access, equity, and outcomes across diverse populations. I have led and contributed to more than $60 million in externally funded research and programmatic initiatives supported by federal, state, and foundation agencies, including projects focused on rural health, mobile healthcare delivery, adolescent health, behavioral health, and implementation science. I believe strongly in collaborative and interdisciplinary leadership to strengthen research infrastructure, mentorship, and faculty success across Texas A&M. Representing the perspectives of faculty engaged in translational, community-based, and cross-disciplinary research is a responsibility I value deeply. I am committed to fostering an environment where innovation, collaboration, and impactful research can thrive.”

Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts

Starrett, Courtney (Visualization) – “I am honored to be nominated to represent the College of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts (PVFA) on the Council of Principal Investigators. As an Associate Professor in Visualization and a practicing creative researcher working at the intersection of digital fabrication, emerging technologies, and the arts, I have experienced firsthand both the opportunities and challenges faced by PIs whose work spans creative practice and scientific study. My research has been supported through interdisciplinary collaborations across campus, and I believe it is essential to champion diverse research methodologies, creative inquiry, and cross-college innovation. As a member of CPI, I will advocate for the needs of all PVFA PIs, especially those whose work does not always align with traditional research models, such as those in creative and hybrid research spaces. I am interested in improving access to shared facilities and expanding opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. I would welcome the opportunity to represent the College of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts for a second term and to continue advancing a research culture that is inclusive, innovative, and supportive of the creative and scholarly excellence that defines Texas A&M University.”

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Hartmann, Timothy (Horticulture) – “I am honored to be nominated a second time to represent the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences on the CPI. I have served as an assistant professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Horticultural Sciences for four years. I collaborate with producers, other faculty, industry professionals, and other academic institutions to conduct applied research in the area of fruit crops for production in Texas while enriching the lives of its residents. My research is also closely connected with resource efficiency, nutrition, and marketing. As a TAMU Graduate Faculty member, I am experienced with advising graduate students and securing funding to support their scholarly work. I understand the inherent challenges of conducting research with limited infrastructure and I am committed to working with administration to improve and better maintain our research facilities. This has spurred me to cultivate strong collaborative relationships and seek creative solutions, including receiving 13 competitive grant awards and gifts from private donors for my work. As a young faculty member, with a split Extension and teaching appointment, I believe that I have a unique perspective. As a member of the CPI, I am committed to humbly soliciting and representing the needs of my colleagues to help find creative and lasting solutions to bolster not only the university, but the greater good of Texans.”

Texas A&M AgriLife Research

Johnson, Tammi (Rangeland, Wildlife, & Fisheries Management Texas A&M AgriLife Research – Uvalde Center) – “I am writing to formally express my interest in serving on the Council of Principal Investigators (CPI) as a representative of Principal Investigators within Texas A&M AgriLife Research. The CPI plays a vital role in strengthening the research enterprise by representing PI perspectives and working collaboratively with administration to improve the research environment for students, faculty, and staff. I am strongly aligned with this mission and believe that a robust, transparent, and efficient research environment is foundational to maintaining national competitiveness in both research and teaching. My interest in serving on the CPI is grounded in a deep commitment to upholding the integrity of research and the environment in which research is conducted. In my current role as Chair of the AgriLife Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), I work closely with investigators across a wide range of research programs and environments. This role has given me broad insight into the regulatory, logistical, and administrative challenges that AgriLife PIs must navigate to conduct their work efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of compliance and ethical responsibility. Through this service, I have seen firsthand the value of proactive communication, thoughtful policy development, and administrative processes that are responsive to investigator needs. I strongly believe that creating the best possible research environment, one that supports innovation while ensuring accountability, directly enables PIs to advance AgriLife’s mission as a nationally recognized research organization. As a PI, I am particularly interested in contributing to discussions and solutions related to challenges that affect investigators across disciplines, including the implementation of new research and compliance software systems, data storage and management solutions, access to research development funds, and navigating export control requirements. Addressing these issues thoughtfully and strategically is essential for supporting investigator productivity and maintaining institutional excellence. Additionally, I would welcome the opportunity to serve on the CPI’s Research Compliance Subcommittee, where my experience with regulatory oversight, investigator engagement, and compliance frameworks could contribute meaningfully to the Council’s efforts. Thank you for considering my interest. I would be honored to serve on the Council of Principal Investigators and to contribute to the continued improvement of the AgriLife research enterprise.”
Kan, Eun Sung (Biological & Agricultural Engineering Texas A&M AgriLife Research – Stephenville Center) – “I am honored to be nominated for CPI and would welcome the opportunity to contribute to our research community. I believe CPI plays a critical role in helping faculty members (PIs) and the University strengthen the research environment and facilitate meaningful accomplishments. Research at our University requires consistent support and a strong research-oriented environment. The research outcomes generated by our PIs ultimately advance the University’s research mission and catalyze collaborative research with federal and state agencies, stakeholder groups, and relevant industries. To support these goals, I would be committed to representing the voices of PIs and serving as a bridge between the University and faculty researchers. I also hope to contribute innovative ideas to CPI so that the committee can develop and propose new initiatives to the University. Furthermore, I will strive to suggest practical and viable solutions that support both fundamental and applied research through new research initiatives and seed funding opportunities within the University System. As a PI, I joined Texas A&M AgriLife Research as an Associate Professor through the Texas A&M University Chancellor’s Research Initiative program in September 2016. My research group focuses on developing sustainable energy–water–food (agricultural) systems through the application of agricultural waste-derived biochar for water treatment, energy production, and sustainable agriculture. My research program has been supported by USDA, EPA, DoD, private industries, and other agencies. During my approximately 10-year faculty career at Texas A&M AgriLife Research, I have secured approximately US $13 million in research funding as principal investigator, with over US $5 million directly supporting my research program through grants funded by U.S. federal agencies, universities, and private industries. I have published 85 peer-reviewed journal articles, and was recognized as a World Top 2% Scientist in 2020–2022 and 2025. In addition, I have served in leadership roles within the Environmental Division of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE).”

Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES)

Kota, Raj (Strategic Initiatives) – “I am Raj Kota (Senior Research Engineer) with TEES for over seven years and have had the opportunity to engage with multiple research centers and programs across the organization. My work spans collaborations within the Ocean Energy Safety Institute, the Mary Kay O’Connor Process Safety Center, the Texas A&M Hypervelocity Impact Laboratory, the TEES Center of Innovation in Mechanics of Design and Manufacturing, and the Bush Combat Development Complex (BCDC), among others. Through these engagements, I have worked with multidisciplinary teams across academia, government, and industry sponsors, gaining a broad perspective on the operational and administrative landscape of sponsored research. In addition, I had the opportunity to serve as a delegate for Dr. Tichenor, which allowed me to closely observe CPI activities and better understand how the council serves as a bridge between the research community and administration. This experience reinforced my appreciation for the importance of strong PI representation and active engagement in shaping the research environment. If elected, I would be honored to contribute to CPI’s mission by representing TEES investigators, supporting constructive dialogue across the PI community, and helping strengthen the effectiveness and impact of the research enterprise at Texas A&M.”
Reeves, Baley (National Center for Therapeutics Manufacturing) – “I am the Director of the National Center for Therapeutics Manufacturing (NCTM), a center within TEES, and hold a joint appointment as a Visiting Professor of Practice in the Department of Chemical Engineering. NCTM supports contract research and workforce development for the biomanufacturing industry and serves as one of Texas A&M’s core facilities for biological products production, process development and scale-up, and quality control analytics. In addition to serving TAMU faculty, NCTM also holds a number of grants from NSF, NIIMBL, philanthropic organizations, and private industry, supporting both research and workforce development programs across the globe. As a CPI representative, I will advocate for continued investment in the university’s shared use infrastructure and will work to create opportunities to enable increased faculty access to core facility resources. I aim to build new programs, like core facility credits for inclusion in startup packages, to streamline resources across the university, better utilize existing equipment, and decrease overall operational expenses.”

Texas A&M University Galveston

Kan, Irfan (Marine Engineering Technology) – “Irfan Khan is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Marine Engineering Technology with a joint courtesy appointment with the Electrical and Computer Engineering & Computer Science and Engineering Department at Texas A&M College Station. He is the director of the Clean and Resilient Energy Systems (CARES) Lab, which focuses on the cyber security, reliability, and sustainability of cyber-physical systems, including electric energy systems, drones, marine vessels, and biomedical systems. Dr. Khan has made remarkable contributions to cybersecurity, renewable energy, microgrids, and autonomous systems. Recently, he has been presented with several prestigious awards and honors, such as the 2023 William Paul Ricker Distinguished Faculty Award from TAMU Galveston, the 2021 Jim Leonard Outstanding Member Award from IEEE Region 5, the Gulf Research Program’s Early-Career Research Fellowship: Offshore Energy Safety (Track 3) from the National Academies, and the 2021 IEEE Region 5 Director’s Award Technical Conference Co-Chair.He has received several grants from multiple funding agencies, including the US Navy, US Army, US Department of Energy, National Academies, etc. Since he has been PI on several funded projects, he truly understands the issues that can affect PIs across Texas A&M University. He is committed to serving as a liaison in essential matters affecting research between the administration and the PI community.”

Texas A&M Transportation Institute

Glover, Brianne (Freight and Investment Analysis Division) – “I am honored to be nominated and would welcome the opportunity to continue serving as a member of the Council of Principal Investigators representing the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI). I have been a researcher at TTI for more than 16 years and currently serve as a Senior Research Scientist and Division Head in the Policy Analysis Division. My research focuses on financial and economic impacts related to transportation infrastructure with both public and private sector sponsors. I would appreciate the chance to continue representing TTI within the broader research community and help provide insight into our research interests and issues. In my tenure at TTI I have collaborated on projects with researchers from all divisions and recognize that the priorities and concerns facing our researchers range across the institute and the system. If re-elected, I would continue to serve as an engaged and effective conduit between TTI and the broader principal investigator community, helping to represent institute perspectives and support a strong research environment.”
Kovar, James (Roadside Safety and Physical Security Division) – “Howdy! My name is James Kovar, and I am an Assistant Research Scientist in the Roadside Safety and Physical Security Division. I previously served as your Council of Principal Investigators representative from 2019 to 2022 and from 2023 to 2026. Additionally, I served both TTI and CPI as the representative on the Transportation Services Advisory Council. I am again excited for the opportunity to represent you in these capacities. With recent changes across the research environment, I believe it is vital that TTI has a voice in this organization. In my role as a CPI representative, I will seek opportunities for our researchers to collaborate with other groups across the system. I hope to have the opportunity again to work toward a strong future for TTI, the university, and the system.”

*The CPI defines a “PI” as a PI or Co-PI on at least one externally reviewed and funded project or grant within the previous three years. –see bylaws, Section 2. Representation, A. Definition of PI

**see bylaws Section 2. Representation, F. Allocation of Seats