Three distinguished faculty members at The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) have been honored for their significant research contributions, highlighting the university’s growing stature as a hub of innovative scholarship. The awards ceremony, held on April 22, recognized Professor J. Ping Liu from the Department of Physics with the University Award for Distinguished Record of Research or Creative Activity. At the same time, Associate Professors Kyrah Brown of Kinesiology and Ben Jones of Physics each received the University Award for Outstanding Research or Creative Accomplishment. These accolades underscore UT Arlington’s commitment to advancing knowledge across diverse disciplines, from public health equity to fundamental particle physics.
Professor Kyrah Brown’s interdisciplinary work stands at the forefront of understanding the social and structural determinants that influence reproductive and cardiac health outcomes among women. Her research navigates the complex interplay between systemic inequities and biomedical factors, revealing how these forces collectively shape health disparities, particularly in marginalized communities. Through her pioneering efforts, Brown established the Black Maternal and Reproductive Health Summit, a unique academic platform in North Texas dedicated to developing actionable solutions for improving maternal care and reducing adverse outcomes among Black women. This summit has become an essential forum where scholars, clinicians, and community advocates collaborate to address pressing public health challenges with culturally informed research and policies.
Central to Brown’s research agenda is the creation of the Maternal and Reproductive Health Equity Research Lab at UTA. This lab serves as a dynamic hub for community-engaged research, employing rigorous epidemiological methods alongside qualitative approaches to uncover barriers to equitable healthcare access. Brown’s work emphasizes the necessity of integrating social context into biomedical research, pioneering methodologies that account for structural racism and economic deprivation alongside physiological variables. Armed with over $4.4 million in funding from federal and private sources, her projects aim to dismantle entrenched disparities by co-developing interventions rooted in the lived experiences of affected populations, integrating patient voices into the design of health programs and policies.
In parallel, Associate Professor Ben Jones is making transformative strides in neutrino physics, a domain pivotal to unlocking cosmic mysteries. Neutrinos, subatomic particles with minute mass and neutral charge, traverse the universe in staggering numbers, yet their elusive nature challenges direct detection and comprehensive understanding. Jones’ research integrates advanced optical instrumentation, nuclear physics techniques, and chemical analysis to enhance the precision of neutrino measurement. His cutting-edge sensors and experimental setups push the boundaries of particle detection, enabling physicists to glean insights into neutrino properties that have vast implications for the Standard Model of particle physics and beyond.
Since joining UTA in 2016, Jones has successfully secured approximately $5 million in federal grants, predominantly from the U.S. Department of Energy, supporting an extensive portfolio of experimental physics projects. His prolific scholarly output includes over 450 peer-reviewed articles, collectively cited more than 13,000 times, reflecting the significant impact of his work on the global physics community. Jones’ interdisciplinary approach exemplifies how leveraging cross-domain expertise can yield innovative solutions to longstanding questions in particle physics, ultimately enriching our grasp of fundamental forces that govern the universe.
Complementing these contributions is Professor J. Ping Liu’s renowned work on critical and rare earth materials, vital to the function of many modern technologies. Specializing in magnetism, Liu explores the atomic-scale phenomena that underpin the performance of magnets integral to devices ranging from smartphones to electric vehicles. His research delves into the electronic structure and magnetic interactions of these materials, employing sophisticated characterization techniques such as synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction and neutron scattering to elucidate complex magnetic behaviors. Understanding these mechanisms is imperative for advancing the efficiency and sustainability of electronic components that drive contemporary life.
Over his 23-year tenure at UTA, Liu has amassed over $10 million in external research funding, enabling the establishment of robust experimental facilities and training programs for emerging scientists. His mentorship record is exemplary, having guided dozens of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers who contribute to a vibrant research community. With more than 330 publications and upwards of 26,000 citations, Liu’s scientific influence is profound, positioning him as a leader in materials physics nationally and internationally. Earlier this year, he was part of a team awarded the prestigious Hill Prize in Physics, recognizing breakthroughs in domestic magnet technology, a testament to the real-world applications of his fundamental research.
Collectively, the accolades awarded to Brown, Jones, and Liu not only celebrate their individual achievements but also highlight the multidimensional research ecosystem cultivated at UTA. Their work embodies a synergy between theoretical exploration and applied science, addressing challenges that range from human health to understanding the building blocks of matter. By nurturing such talent, UTA solidifies its place within the top tier of research universities recognized by the Carnegie Classification as an R-1 institution, placing it among the elite 5% nationally for research activity.
Importantly, these faculty members exemplify a commitment to mentorship and education, fostering the next generation of scholars and innovators. Brown, for instance, has guided more than 35 undergraduate and graduate researchers and supported 11 faculty colleagues, cultivating leadership within the domains of public health and social equity. Jones consistently acknowledges the collaborative nature of his projects, crediting his students for their integral roles. Liu’s extensive mentorship underscores UTA’s dedication to comprehensive training, equipping students with the expertise needed to excel in increasingly interdisciplinary scientific landscapes.
The recognition by the UTA Academy of Distinguished Researchers, under the leadership of Beth Wright, chair and professor of art history, further affirms the institution’s emphasis on research excellence combined with teaching and service. Wright’s remarks emphasize the trio’s role as exemplars whose national and international acclaim not only elevates the university’s research profile but also benefits the broader scientific and academic communities through knowledge dissemination and innovation.
Looking ahead, the ongoing and future research endeavors of Brown, Jones, and Liu promise to deepen our understanding of critical health disparities, particle physics, and materials science, respectively. Their funded projects and scholarly collaborations continue to propel advancements with implications across healthcare policy, fundamental science, and technology development. As their work garners increasing attention from funding agencies, peer institutions, and interdisciplinary collaborators, the impact of their contributions is set to expand further, inspiring new directions in research and education alike.
The University of Texas at Arlington, celebrating its 130th anniversary in 2025, stands as a testament to the power of research-driven growth within a public research university context. With over 41,000 students and more than 180 academic programs, UTA has evolved into a research powerhouse within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, producing significant economic and social returns. The university’s recognition for innovation and economic prosperity reflects strategic investments in research and development, fostering environments where faculty like Brown, Jones, and Liu can thrive and influence both academic spheres and community wellbeing.
These awards highlight a vital narrative within contemporary academia — the synergy of dedicated faculty working at the intersection of rigorous research and impactful community engagement. Through their respective lenses, Brown addresses urgent societal health inequities, Jones probes the fundamental particles that compose our universe, and Liu uncovers the magnetic properties powering modern technology. Collectively, their achievements underscore the multifaceted nature of scientific inquiry driving progress across domains and the crucial role of mentorship in sustaining scientific advancement.
The faculty research honors program at UTA embodies a celebration of scholarly excellence and creative accomplishment, reflecting a university culture that values not only discovery but also the transmission of knowledge and leadership development. As this cohort of researchers continues to advance their fields, their work stands as a beacon inspiring both their peers and students, reinforcing the transformative potential of research undertaken within a vibrant academic community.
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Subject of Research: Reproductive and Cardiac Health Disparities, Neutrino Physics, Critical and Rare Earth Materials Magnetism
Article Title: UT Arlington Faculty Honored for Pioneering Research in Maternal Health, Particle Physics, and Magnetism
News Publication Date: April 22, 2025
Web References:
– https://www.uta.edu/news/news-releases/2024/05/28/building-trust-in-clinical-research
– https://www.uta.edu/research/administration/vp-for-research-and-innovation/awards
– https://mchequitylab.uta.edu/research-and-praxis/preparedstudy/
– https://www.uta.edu/news/news-releases/2023/11/08/uta-doe-lab-partner-to-prove-new-atomic-cooling-techniques
– https://www.uta.edu/news/news-releases/2025/03/10/uta-team-wins-prize-for-vital-us-magnet-technology
Image Credits: UTA
