Six faculty members from FIU’s College of Engineering and Computing earned university-wide recognition at the 2026 Faculty Convocation Awards Ceremony for their contributions to research, mentorship, service and academic achievement.
The honorees represent four academic departments and schools within the college, reflecting the breadth of expertise and impact across engineering and computing.
The college’s 2026 award recipients are:
- Mohammadhadi Amini, Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences, Excellence in Research & Creative Activities
- Sundararaj Sitharama Iyengar, Knight Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences, President’s Council Faculty Award
- Arjuna Madanayake, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Excellence in Research & Creative Activities
- Cora Martinez, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Excellence in Advising & Mentorship
- Anthony McGoron, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Excellence in Service
- Berrin Tansel, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, CUSA Faculty Achievement Award
Advancing research and innovation
Amini and Madanayake earned recognition for research that pushes the boundaries of their fields. Amini’s work strengthens the cybersecurity and resilience of critical infrastructure, while Madanayake advances computing and radio-frequency hardware. Their research portfolios include millions of dollars in sponsored funding, extensive scholarly publications and patented innovations.
Shaping the future of computing
Iyengar’s President’s Council Faculty Award recognizes a distinguished career spanning artificial intelligence, sensor networks, cybersecurity and digital forensics. His influence extends beyond research through his mentorship of more than 65 doctoral students and contributions to the global computing community.
Investing in student success
Martinez received the Excellence in Advising & Mentorship award for her commitment to helping engineering students thrive. Through her leadership of FIU’s American Society of Civil Engineers Student Chapter and her support for licensure preparation, internships and accelerated degree opportunities, she helps students prepare for their professional futures.
Strengthening the university through service
McGoron’s Excellence in Service award recognizes his longstanding contributions to FIU and biomedical engineering. He helped establish the university’s undergraduate biomedical engineering program and has mentored more than 110 undergraduate researchers throughout his career.
Advancing environmental engineering
Tansel received the CUSA Faculty Achievement Award in recognition of her contributions to environmental engineering. Her internationally recognized scholarship spans research, education and professional practice, with an extensive body of publications and numerous professional honors.
The College of Engineering and Computing congratulates these six faculty members on their well-deserved recognition. Their achievements reflect the expertise, dedication and commitment to student success that continue to advance the college’s impact.
Learn more: Explore the 2026 Faculty Convocation Awards and read the full profiles of this year’s honorees.