2025 – 2026 THRIVE Fellows
The Institute for Social Science Research (ISSR), in collaboration with the UA Research ASSIST Office, is excited to announce the 2025–2026 cohort of THRIVE Fellows — an interdisciplinary group of researchers selected to participate in the THRIVE Initiative: Transformative Human-centered Research for Impacting Vulnerabilities Everywhere.
THRIVE supports collaborative faculty teams from across The University of Alabama as they develop innovative, externally fundable research proposals that address complex societal challenges and promote real-world impact.
We congratulate these outstanding faculty teams and look forward to supporting their journey as they pursue transformative, interdisciplinary research that drives meaningful impact.
Dr. Kevin Curtin
Kevin M. Curtin is Professor of Geography and Director of the Laboratory for Location Science at the University of Alabama. His research focuses on geographic information systems, transportation, spatial statistics, and network analysis, with applications in both academic and policy settings.
Dr. Susan Dewey
Dr. Susan Dewey is a Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice with over two decades of experience in conflict resolution. Her research explores systems-involved populations, and she has authored 19 books and over 100 academic publications on gender, incarceration, and social justice.
Dr. Katie Garrison
Dr. Katie Garrison is an Assistant Professor of Psychology. Her research explores how emotions, cognition, and motivation interact to influence self-regulation, decision-making, and overall well-being in everyday life. She often applies interdisciplinary methods to study behavior and emotion.
Dr. Fei Hu
Dr. Fei Hu is a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering whose research centers on cybersecurity, machine learning, and intelligent sensors. He develops cyber-physical systems and advanced algorithms to address challenges in network security and healthcare technology.
Dr. Jihoon (Jay) Kim
Dr. Jihoon (Jay) Kim is an Assistant Professor of Advertising and Director of the Bama Reality Office. His research explores the psychological effects of immersive media on consumers in the contexts of advertising, tourism, and sports communication.
Dr. Ellen McKinney
Dr. Ellen McKinney is Professor and Chair of the Department of Clothing, Textiles, and Interior Design. Her research focuses on wearable technology, adaptive apparel, and user-centered design, aiming to improve quality of life through functional innovation.
Dr. Jewoong Moon
Dr. Jewoong Moon is an Assistant Professor of Instructional Technology. He studies how emerging technologies, including virtual and augmented reality, enhance teaching and learning. His work appears in leading journals such as the British Journal of Educational Technology and Virtual Reality.
Dr. Dawen Li
Dr. Dawen Li is a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and an NSF CAREER awardee. His research focuses on advanced electronic materials and devices for energy applications, and he has led interdisciplinary projects in nanotechnology and semiconductor systems.
Dr. Wanyun (Abby) Shao
Dr. Wanyun (Abby) Shao is an Associate Professor of Geography. Her research examines environmental hazards, risk perception, and climate adaptation. She has held fellowships with the NSF Hazards Center and the National Academies’ Gulf Research Program.
Dr. Steven Weinman
Dr. Steven Weinman is an Assistant Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering. He leads research on membrane technology for water treatment and environmental remediation. His work focuses on developing sustainable materials that address global water challenges.