New Faculty
Please welcome the College of Engineering’s newest faculty members!
Sara Ahmed
Assistant Professor in Electrical & Computer Engineering
Ph.D., Virginia Tech
Why did you choose to come to UTSA?
I was impressed with how UTSA is growing and working its way into becoming a Tier One institute. I believe there are lots of opportunities for me to professionally grow. I am coming back to academia from industry and I believe I learned a lot there. It is now time to utilize my industrial experience and perform more.
Wassim Ghannoum
Associate Professor in Civil & Environmental Engineering
Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley
Why did you choose to come to UTSA?
The university is growing and I can be part of this exciting period. I have been given the opportunity to help built state-of-the-art structural engineering laboratories while enjoying a very collegial atmosphere in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department.
John (Jeff) Prevost
Assistant Professor in Electrical & Computer Engineering
Ph.D.,The University of Texas at San Antonio
Why did you choose to come to UTSA?
UTSA presents a unique opportunity to work with a rapidly rising university. The progress already made in education and research in Cloud Computing makes this an ideal spot to work on Cloud-related research.
Chiyui (Ethan) Ahn
Assistant Professor in Electrical & Computer Engineering
Ph.D., Stanford University
Why did you choose to come to UTSA?
First of all, I realized that this university has good vision as one of the thriving public research universities, and thus found good opportunities for my academic career. Second, I really liked the way the faculty members treated me during the interview and afterward: perfect courtesy. Last, I would like to thank my department chair, Dr. Qian, and the dean, Dr. Browning, for extending me this wonderful opportunity to come to UTSA.
Vikram Kapoor
Assistant Professor in Civil & Environmental Engineering
Ph.D., University of Cincinatti
Why did you choose to come to UTSA?
UTSA is a relatively young institution which has the potential to emerge as a premier research university. UTSA has embarked on an exciting journey toward Tier One recognition - I am looking forward to being a part of this transformation. My over-arching goal is to bridge the gap between the disciplines of environmental engineering and microbiology. UTSA’s Civil and Environmental Engineering Department has the right expertise and infrastructure to help me achieve this goal.
Christopher Rathbone
Assistant Professor in Biomedical Engineering
Ph.D., University of Missouri
Why did you choose to come to UTSA?
The University of Texas at San Antonio is an ideal setting to educate the next generation of students as well as be involved in exciting research. The environment at UTSA seems to be conducive to collaboration, and both students and faculty can benefit from an atmosphere that allows for significant career development.
Wei Gao
Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering
Ph.D., The University of Texas at Austin
Why did you choose to come to UTSA?
I chose to come to UTSA because of a number of reasons, including the growth of the university, competitive startup package, and the supportive research environment.
R. Lyle Hood
Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering
Ph.D., Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University
Why did you choose to come to UTSA?
I grew up in south Texas and have many friends and colleagues that attended here. When I visited campus, I could immediately feel the cultural fit. I am excited to join a university with momentum, and I look forward to being a part of UTSA as it makes its Tier One transition.
Brendy Rincon Troconis
Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering
Ph.D., Ohio State University
Why did you choose to come to UTSA?
I chose UTSA because it provides me an opportunity to continue developing my knowledge in oil and gas and increasing and fortifying my teaching skills, while working collaboratively with different engineering departments. Furthermore, I am very thrilled about my position since my mission matches perfectly the one at the Department of Mechanical Engineering: to encourage students to learn, achieving critical and independent thinking while being socially responsible, and to solve the problems that affect our community.