USF welcomes new faculty members for fall 2026

By Joey Garcia, University Communications and Marketing

This fall, more than 200 new faculty members join the University of South Florida, helping to shape the next chapter of the institution's significant momentum and growth. As USF advances its strategic priorities, the expertise, creativity and dedication of its faculty remain central to the university's continued success, a message underscored by USF Provost and Executive Vice President Prasant Mohapatra.

USF's incoming faculty members bring a broad range of expertise that will strengthen the institution's research portfolio. More than 20 faculty members join USF from fellow Association of American Universities institutions, including Yale University, Northwestern University and the University of Pennsylvania.

Several of the university's newest scholars are exploring how emerging technologies can address complex challenges. Others are advancing research in water quality, environmental resiliency, advanced materials and biomedical innovation-areas especially relevant to Florida's future.

USF Health continues to be a destination for experts in academic medicine, attracting talent from leading research universities eager to establish their labs and advance patient care.

Meet five of the newest faculty members joining USF this fall.

Zois Syrgiannis - College of Arts & Sciences

Previous Institution: Northwestern University

As USF's largest academic unit, the College of Arts and Sciences is welcoming a broad array of scholars, reflecting USF's continued investment in scientific discovery and research that addresses real-world challenges.

An assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry, Zois Syrgiannis will develop advanced nanomaterials and nanomedicine technologies. His lab will aim to improve how therapeutics are delivered and targeted in the body.

"I've always loved working in an academic environment and interacting with the next generation of scientists," Syrgiannis said. "USF has been very welcoming and a place where I can work on translational research that makes the world better."

Sally Myung Jin Shin - Muma College of Business

Previous Institution: Yale University

New faculty joining the Muma College of Business are helping expand USF's expertise in artificial intelligence, consumer behavior and data-driven decision-making.

Within the School of Marketing and Innovation, Sally Myung Jin Shin studies why people trust certain brands, products and technologies while avoiding others. As an assistant professor, her research examines how consumers respond to artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, helping businesses create products and services that people feel comfortable using.

Dr. Shyam Kottilil - USF Health Morsani College of Medicine

Previous Institution: University of Maryland

USF Health continues to strengthen its reputation as a premier academic medical center through strategic hires who are advancing discoveries that improve health and patient care.

Helping shape USF Health is physician-scientist Dr. Shyam Kottilil, who will serve as the vice dean for clinical research, professor of medicine and leader of several key research initiatives.

"Everyone coming to USF is eager to collaborate and looking at ways to take the university to the next level," Kottilil said. "My role is to help make clinical research easier across the university. We want to create a platform that allows new researchers to conduct their work without unnecessary barriers while also supporting those who have been here for years."

Zach Ayers - College of Engineering

Previous Institution: RTX Technology Research Center

As the space industry continues to expand, universities play an increasingly important role in developing the technologies and workforce that will support future aerospace missions. The College of Engineering has strengthened its expertise in this area by recruiting faculty with both academic and industry experience.

Zach Ayers brings firsthand experience advancing technologies with real-world aerospace applications. As an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, he plans to build a research lab focused on technologies that could make high-speed vehicles more powerful and fuel efficient. By studying how engines burn fuel and generate thrust, he aims to improve the systems that power the next generation of aerospace vehicles.

Bomin Kim - College of Design, Art and Performance

Previous Institution: Washington University in St. Louis

This year's new faculty in the College of Design, Art and Performance bring expertise that connects ingenuity and community impact.

Assistant Professor Bomin Kim studies how buildings, neighborhoods and infrastructure influence people's daily lives. Her work in the School of Architecture & Community Design explores how communities can become healthier, more resilient and better prepared for challenges such as extreme heat, flooding and environmental change.

Kim examines how decisions about urban development affect both quality of life and long-term sustainability.

"A big reason I chose to come to USF was the strong sense of community I saw from students, faculty and staff," Kim said. "I'm excited to explore how we create healthier, more resilient communities. Florida's challenges with heat, flooding and rapid growth make it a fascinating place to study how the built environment shapes quality of life."