Three University of Texas at Arlington faculty members were honored for research excellence during a ceremony on April 22, 2025. J. Ping Liu, professor of physics, received the University Award for Distinguished Record of Research or Creative Activity, while Kyrah Brown, associate professor of kinesiology, and Ben Jones, associate professor of physics, each earned the University Award for Outstanding Research or Creative Accomplishment.
Their work spans critical areas including maternal health equity, neutrino research, and magnetism in rare earth materials, with notable achievements such as securing millions in grants, publishing hundreds of papers, and establishing impactful community initiatives like the Black Maternal and Reproductive Health Summit. The awards highlight their contributions to advancing knowledge and fostering innovation at UTA.
Three UTA Faculty Members Recognized for Research Excellence
Three University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) faculty members were honored for their exceptional research contributions during the UTA Faculty Research Honors ceremony. J. Ping Liu, a professor of physics, was awarded the University Award for Distinguished Record of Research or Creative Activity. Recognized as a leader in critical and rare earth materials, Liu’s work is pivotal for technologies like smartphones and laptops. He has secured over $10 million in grants, trained numerous students, and published extensively, earning 26,000 citations.
Kyrah Brown, an associate professor of kinesiology, received the University Award for Outstanding Research or Creative Accomplishment. Her research focuses on maternal health among women, particularly Black women. Brown established the Black Maternal and Reproductive Health Summit and a related research lab at UTA. She has mentored many students and secured $4.4 million in grants, demonstrating her commitment to community-driven health solutions.
Ben Jones, an associate professor of physics, also received the Outstanding Research award for his work on neutrinos. Using interdisciplinary methods, Jones has contributed significantly to understanding these particles. He has secured $5 million in grants and published over 450 papers, emphasizing collaborative efforts with students and colleagues. These awards highlight UTA’s commitment to research excellence, as part of their ongoing contributions to scientific advancement.
Kyrah Brown’s Interdisciplinary Work in Maternal Health
Kyrah Brown’s research at UTA centers on addressing social and structural factors impacting maternal health, particularly among Black women. She established the Black Maternal and Reproductive Health Summit, a unique initiative in North Texas aimed at fostering dialogue and solutions. Additionally, her lab focuses on developing community-driven health interventions to improve outcomes.
Brown has significantly contributed to mentorship, guiding over 35 students and 11 faculty members since 2018. Her work is supported by $4.4 million in grants, underscoring the recognition of her efforts within the UTA research awards framework. This funding enables her to continue advancing innovative approaches to maternal health.
Ben Jones’ Research on Neutrinos
Ben Jones, an associate professor of physics, was recognized for his Outstanding Research contributions in neutrino studies. His interdisciplinary approach, incorporating optics, nuclear physics, and chemistry, has led to the development of innovative tools for studying these elusive particles. Supported by $5 million in grants, Jones’ research has resulted in over 450 publications and emphasizes collaborative efforts with students and colleagues.
UTA’s Commitment to Research Excellence
These awards highlight UTA’s dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation, underscoring the university’s role as a leader in research excellence. The achievements of J. Ping Liu, Kyrah Brown, and Ben Jones reflect the institution’s commitment to fostering groundbreaking work across diverse fields.
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