2014 University Scholars

Physics professor Serdar Ogut works with nanostructures, but he prefers to tackle everyday problems rather than exotic materials. “I like to keep my feet on solid ground,” he says. Photo: Joshua Clark/UIC Photo Services

The University Scholar award, now in its 30th year, honors UIC faculty who are among the best in their fields — those who show superior performance and great promise in research and teaching. Winners receive $15,000 per year for three years.

The 2014 winners are:

Scott Brady: Gaining neuron knowledge to fight ALS, Alzheimer’s

Serdar Ogut: The power of collaboration in a solitary field

Ghanshyam Pandey: Seeking neurobiological causes of teen suicide, depression

Guido Pauli: Purposeful plants aid human health

James Pellegrino: Informed instruction connects research, theory and practice

Steve Tozer: Training principals who can turn a school around

Philip Yu: Digging into the patterns of Big Data