The Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering is proud to share that several of our faculty members have received the prestigious 2026 National Science Foundation (NSF) Early CAREER Awards.
These exceptional faculty exemplify the highest standards of research and education. The NSF CAREER Award, the foundation’s premier honor, supports early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization.
Sindia Rivera-Jiménez
Engineering Education
Sindia M. Rivera‑Jiménez received an NSF CAREER Award for research on community college students’ self‑adjustment in engineering pathways. With this award, she is the first tenure-track faculty member to fully receive an NSF CAREER Award in EEd.
Read more: EEd’s Rivera-Jiménez receives NSF CAREER Award for engineering workforce pathways
Janani Sampath
Chemical Engineering
Janani Sampath, Ph.D., an assistant professor in chemical engineering, won an NSF CAREER award to study molecular degradation of PIM polymer membranes, aiming for durable, energy-efficient filters.
Read more: UF’s Sampath designing better membranes, molecule by molecule
Brittany Taylor
Biomedical Engineering
Brittany Taylor, Ph.D.’s NSF CAREER award will support Taylor’s research into the cellular mechanisms that drive fibrotic tendon healing, with the goal of improving scientists’ understanding of how cells communicate within the tendon environment following injury or disease.
Read more: Brittany Taylor receives NSF CAREER Award to advance understanding of tendon healing
Yu Wang
Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
Yu Wang, Ph.D. has received an NSF CAREER Award. Wang’s research focuses on one of the most important challenges facing modern technology and how to make autonomous systems both intelligent and trustworthy.
Read more: Yu Wang’s Vision for Safer, More Human-Centered Autonomous Systems