Virginia Tech adds new hires via Future Faculty Diversity Program
Fourteen new faculty, researchers, and postdoctoral scholars join Hokie Nation through the program, which aligns with the land-grant mission, fostering inclusive excellence and preparing the next generation of diverse scholars.
Fourteen new faculty, researchers, and postdoctoral scholars join Hokie Nation for the 2024-25 school year via the Future Faculty Diversity Program. These hires are all members of the 2023 cohort.
Virginia Tech’s Future Faculty Diversity Program (FFDP) aligns with the land-grant mission, fostering inclusive excellence and preparing the next generation of diverse scholars. Held every fall, the program offers professional workshops and seminars, mentorship, networking, and opportunities for fellows to present their research and explore job opportunities at Virginia Tech.
“The FFDP is designed to bring top talent to Virginia Tech and connect them with academic departments and the Hokie community,” said Erica Cooper, assistant provost of faculty diversity and the program's coordinator in the Office for Inclusion and Diversity. “We are proud to see so many of our participants be chosen to join us — and choose to say yes. We look forward to the 2023 class following in their predecessors’ footsteps and making an impression on the Virginia Tech community.”
The new hires are
- Christiana Chamon, College of Engineering
- Claudia Nuñez-Penichet, College of Natural Resources and Environment
- Jamie Bucholz, College of Science
- Gabrielle Bennett, College of Science
- Tolulope Odimayomi, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
- Keoni Castellano, College of Science
- Arturia Melson-Silimon, College of Science
- Floyd Nichols, College of Science
- Sydney Turner, College of Engineering
- Marlon Ac-Pangan, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
- Pedro Monarrez, College of Science
- Pedro Soto, College of Science
- Christin Salley, College of Engineering
- Rachel Pearson, College of Engineering
Three members of the 2023 cohort — Jamie Bucholz, Claudia Nuñez-Penichet, and Sydney Turner — also were awarded 2024 Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowships for their respective research.
The 2024 Future Faculty Diversity Program will take place Oct. 6-9. Learn more on the FFDP website.
