The University of Texas at Tyler recently announced new achievements for two of its professors.
Dr. Prabha Sundaravadivel, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at The University of Texas at Tyler, received the American Society for Engineering Education 2026 Curtis W. McGraw Research Award–Non-PhD Granting Program Category. This is UT Tyler’s second McGraw awardee in four years.
The award recognizes Sundaravadivel’s significant research achievements and outstanding research abilities, trajectory and potential.
Sundaravadivel’s research focuses on edge artificial intelligence, embedded systems and robotics, with a sustained emphasis on translating research outcomes into deployable, real-world technologies. Currently, she is working on four funded projects from the U. S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service to help enhance drones-based frameworks for imagery and crop monitoring on large farms.
A senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Sundaravadivel directs the UT Tyler Center for Robotics and Intelligent Systems and advises the university’s IoT student club.
She joined the UT Tyler College of Engineering in 2018.
Sundaravadivel will be recognized in March at the annual business meeting of the ASEE Engineering Research Council during the 2026 Research Leadership Institute to be held in Alexandria, Virginia.
Dr. Melinda Hermanns, professor and interim assistant dean for professional development at The University of Texas at Tyler School of Nursing, was recently inducted as a fellow into the New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) for her exceptional contributions to advancing health, medicine and public policy.
“This is a truly tremendous and well-deserved honor for Dr. Hermanns and a testament to the exceptional caliber of faculty we have in the UT Tyler School of Nursing,” said Dr. Jenifer Chilton, UT Tyler School of Nursing interim dean. “We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and know she will make a significant impact on health reform through this distinguished fellowship.”
The NYAM is dedicated to improving the health of all people through health reform and health education. Members are chosen for their leadership and excellence in clinical care, research, education and public health. There are approximately 1,700 members and fellows of the academy nationwide.
Dr. Hermanns was selected for her profound commitment to improving the lives of individuals with chronic illness, preparing the next generation of nurse leaders and service on the Advisory Board for the Journal of the American Nurses Association – New York.
“It is an honor to be inducted into the New York Academy of Medicine,” Hermanns said. “I look forward to collaborating with fellow members to continue advancing research, innovation, and policies that improve the health and well-being of communities across the nation.”
A fellow in the National League for Nursing Academy of Nursing Education and a member of The University of Texas Kenneth I. Shine, MD, Academy of Health Science Education, Hermanns was recognized as an Outstanding Faculty by the Texas Alpha Xi Chapter of Alpha Chi Honor Society and as one of East Texas’ Healthcare Heroes – Nurses by UT Tyler. She obtained her PhD in nursing from the UT Health Science Center at Houston and her post-bachelor’s certificate in nursing informatics, quality and safety from UT Tyler.
