From the editorial
The El Paso Journal
Friday, January 27, 2023 | 20:28
Step.- Following a national search, the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) has appointed Ahmad M. Itani, Ph.D., as Vice President for Research effective May 1, 2023. As leader of the Office of Research and Sponsored Projects Itani will work to promote collaborative research partnerships and enhance the strong culture of institutional support for academic and creative pursuits.
Itani comes to UTEP from the University of Nevada, Reno, where he currently serves as Associate Vice President for Research and Foundation Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering. During his tenure as Associate Vice President, he supported the development of large multidisciplinary projects and fostered a culture of service and research protection while mentoring students and early-stage faculty.
“Dr. Itani brings with him a wealth of experience advocating for research at an R1 institution,” said President Heather Wilson. “His experience will be an asset as we continue to build on a strong research foundation, creating opportunities for students and applying knowledge to improve people’s lives”.
Itani earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the Arab University of Beirut in Lebanon and his master’s and doctoral degrees in the same field from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. A civil and environmental engineer by training, he is an expert in the seismic activity of steel bridges and the resilience of the community after seismic events. He is a licensed professional engineer in Nevada and California. Before becoming a professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, he worked with the California Department of Transportation. In 2018, he won the Roebling Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers.
“I am looking forward to joining the UTEP community and working with students and faculty to advance discovery and create opportunities for students,” Itani said.
“My deep appreciation to President Wilson, Chancellor Wiebe, and the search committee for placing their trust in me to carry out their vision for this great university. Dr. Roberto Osegueda has built a vibrant research enterprise at UTEP, and I will be honored to continue his legacy of leading everyone in the pursuit of knowledge through research.”
Itani will occupy the position held for 17 years by Dr. Roberto Osegueda, Ph.D. During Osegueda’s tenure, UTEP’s research enterprise grew from $37 million to more than $109 million annually and the University achieved the coveted R1 status from the Carnegie Classification, which recognizes the top 4% of the nation’s research universities.
