Klein College of Science leads UNC Charlotte’s Million Dollar Research Circle
UNC Charlotte honored its top-funded researchers at the annual Leaders in Research reception, held at the Bissell House on March 19. The event recognized the newest members of the University’s Million Dollar Research Circle, a high-impact group of faculty who each lead a minimum of $1 million in active external funding.
This year, 51 principal investigators were recognized for annual year 2025, representing disciplines across campus. The Klein College of Science led all colleges with the highest number of researchers achieving this milestone, underscoring its growing impact in scientific discovery and innovation.
“Klein College of Science faculty continue to push the boundaries of discovery, and their momentum is reshaping what’s possible for our students and for the region we serve,” said Bernadette Donovan-Merkert, dean of the Klein College. “Their success in securing major research funding reflects the strength of their scholarship. I’m thrilled for what lies ahead as we continue expanding our impact on research, teaching, and the broader community.”
The Million Dollar Research Circle highlights faculty whose work advances solutions to real‑world challenges while supporting student research experiences and strengthening UNC Charlotte’s Carnegie R1 standing. In addition to principal investigators, 42 co‑principal investigators were recognized for their contributions to large, collaborative research initiatives.
KCOS researchers inducted this year represent fields spanning chemistry, biological sciences, and physics and optical science. Their work contributes significantly to the University’s $248 million active award portfolio.
KCOS Million Dollar Researchers:
- Kirill Afonin, Chemistry
- Ishwar Aggarwal, Physics and Optical Science
- Christopher Bejger, Chemistry
- Shunji Egusa, Physics and Optical Science
- Jay Foley, Chemistry
- Kristen Funk, Biological Sciences
- Thomas Hutchens, Physics and Optical Science
- Ian Marriott, Biological Sciences
- Adam Reitzel, Biological Sciences
- Bao-Hua Song, Biological Sciences
- Andrew Truman, Biological Sciences
- Patricija van Oosten-Hawle, Biological Sciences
- Juan Luis Vivero-Escoto, Chemistry
- Michael Walter, Chemistry
- Shan Yan, Biological Sciences
KCOS continues to play a central role in advancing UNC Charlotte’s research enterprise, contributing to major discoveries, interdisciplinary collaborations, and the training of the next generation of scientists.
