New Faculty
We welcome the following new faculty and staff to the College of Sciences.
Dr. Beenish Chaudhry (Assistant Professor of Computing and Informatics): Joining UL Lafayette meant I can apply my skills and knowledge to solve pressing problems in health and society. Opportunities to take initiatives and make changes are endless due to this region's unique cultural and social environment.
Dr. Hayriye Gulbudak (Assistant Professor of Mathematics): I came to UL Lafayette because I am very impressed with UL Lafayette’s vision and effort toward steering the Mathematics and other departments to be nationally recognized academic institutions. It is also very clear that UL Lafayette values their faculty and students, providing support and opportunities as expected from a preeminent research university. The Cajun culture, the climate and the delicious food also make Lafayette very enjoyable.
Dr. Xiali Hei (Assistant Professor of Computing and Informatics): I came here because of friendly and experienced colleagues, research oriented institution, and warm weather.
Dr. Aubrey Hillman (Assistant Professor of Geosciences): I came to UL Lafayette because of the great sense of community, both amongst faculty members and between faculty and students.
Dr. Robin Koytcheff (Assistant Professor of Mathematics): I was impressed by the enthusiasm of the faculty for boosting the research profile of the Math Department and the College of Sciences, and I am glad to join UL Lafayette in this pursuit. I look forward to continuing my research and sharing my expertise with undergraduate and graduate students.
Dr. Longfei Li (Assistant Professor of Mathematics): I made the decision to join the Department of Mathematics at UL Lafayette because I was impressed by its nice people and by its research support. I am confident that, upon joining the faculty, my career both as a researcher and an educator will benefit a lot from the top-notch resources of the university. I am passionate about both scientific research and higher education. I will be an active contributor to the research and education activities of the UL Lafayette community.
Dr. Yongli Sang (Assistant Professor of Mathematics): I decided to join the Department of Mathematics at UL Lafayette because it is a warm family. Faculty members here are very kind, warm-hearted, and they are great mentors for the new faculty. I believe I will achieve my goals both in academic and personal life areas at UL Lafayette.
Dr. Erin Sigel (Assistant Professor of Biology): The Biology department provides a supportive environment for me to focus on building my research program.
Dr. Xiuquan (Xander) Wang (Assistant Professor of Geosciences): I came to UL Lafayette because it provides a warm and welcoming environment, and the faculty and staff are very supportive.
Dr. Xu Yuan (Assistant Professor of Computing and Informatics): I came to UL Lafayette because of the promising academic development opportunity, multicultural environment, positive colleagues and delicious seafood.
Dr. Edward J. Conrad (Instructor of Computing and Informatics): The diversity and adaptability of UL Lafayette’s Computer Science and Informatics department is the reason for accepting an appointment here. The focus is on making sure that students are successful and have relevant, working knowledge of their field upon graduation.
Ms. Kristie Cornell (Instructor of Geosciences): Lafayette is my hometown, and UL Lafayette has been part of my life for over 20 years, first as a student and as an Instructor for 13 years now. I cannot think of anywhere else I would rather teach!
Dr. Robert DiFabio (Instructor of Physics): Originally, I began teaching at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette as a part-time adjunct while seeking full-time employment in research or industry. However, I found that teaching was much more fun than I anticipated, and I enjoyed interacting with the great group of people in the Physics Department.
Dr. Jason McNeely (Senior Instructor of Computing and Informatics): I came to UL Lafayette because the faculty and staff are friendly and helpful, the students are enthusiastic, the climate is warm, and there are many opportunities here that do not exist elsewhere.
Dr. Sophie Plouviez (Instructor/Instrument coordinator, Biology): UL Lafayette gave me the opportunity to be part of a great research community and make a difference in students' college experience.