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VIRENDER K. SHARMA
Professor of Practice, Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering
Dr. Virender K. Sharma, a Ph.D. graduate from the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, is renowned for his groundbreaking work in chemistry and environmental applications of ferrate—a highly efficient iron-based molecule for disinfection and water treatment. His research extends to advanced materials like metal-organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, and single-atom catalysts, tackling global challenges in water, food, energy, and healthcare sustainability. With over 45,000 Google Scholar citations and an H-index of 103, Dr. Sharma is a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher and ranks among the top 25 globally in water treatment, environmental chemistry, and health. He is a Fellow of prestigious societies, including the American Chemical Society and the Royal Society of Chemistry, and has received numerous accolades, such as the Humboldt Research Award and the Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water. His mission, “Saving Lives even One Life,” drives his impactful work. |
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DAVID ALFONSO CASTILLA CASADIEGO
Assistant Professor, Biomedical Engineering
David, a Latino scientist from Barranquilla, Colombia, is an assistant professor in Biomedical Engineering as of January 2025. Previously, he was a Provost Early Career Postdoctoral Fellow and NIH Pathway to Independence Awardee (K99/R00) at the University of Texas at Austin, conducting research in Dr. Adrianne Rosales’ lab. David earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Arkansas in 2021 under Dr. Jorge Almodóvar and holds a master’s degree from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. David’s research bridges polymer science and biology, focusing on designing polymeric biomaterials—nanofibers, hydrogels, coatings, composites, and microneedle patches—for applications like stem cell manufacturing, tissue regeneration, and drug delivery. His work has led to 17 peer-reviewed articles, 3 book chapters, and 2 U.S. patents. He has earned recognition, including the Society for Biomaterials' Postdoctoral Young Investigator Award, the AIChE IDEAL Star Award (as part of LatinXinChE), and selection for the 2023 Rising Stars in Engineering Workshop at Cornell University. He has also been an independent reviewer for 11 journals, financial liaison for LatinXinChE, and moderator for its virtual symposiums.
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