LSU Honors Three Faculty Members for Exceptional Academic and Research Achievements

LSU Interim President Matt Lee joined LSU’s Boyd Professors on Oct. 7 to celebrate three faculty members during the Presidential Laurel recognition ceremony.

The event recognizes the exceptional academic and research accomplishments of faculty over the past academic year. Honorees are nominated and then selected by a vote of LSU’s Boyd Professors—the university’s highest academic rank. The distinction is highly selective and celebrates the faculty members’ success.

“It’s inspiring to see the breadth and depth of achievement among this year’s honorees,” Lee said. "Their work in medicine, engineering, and the natural sciences is advancing their fields and making a meaningful impact across Louisiana and beyond. Each honoree reflects the excellence we strive for at LSU, and it’s a privilege to celebrate their contributions.”

 

This year’s honorees include:

• Robb Brumfield, Interim Dean of the College of Science, received the Elliott Coues Award from the American Ornithological Society (AOS). One of only three senior professional awards given by the AOS, it recognizes groundbreaking contributions to ornithological research. Dr. Brumfield’s extensive work—including more than 150 peer-reviewed publications—has advanced understanding of avian genomics, hybridization, evolutionary biology, and the genetic architecture of phenotypic traits.
• Michael Khonsari, Dow Chemical Endowed Chair in Mechanical Engineering, received the 2024 Honorary Member Medal from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). This lifetime honor recognizes distinguished service to engineering, science, and research. Awarded to only five individuals each year out of ASME’s 130,000 members, the recognition places Dr. Khonsari among the most influential figures in the profession.
• Dr. Cherie-Ann Nathan, Jack Pou Endowed Professor and Chair at LSU Health Shreveport, was named a “Living Legend” by the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and Foundation (AAO-HNS/F). Inducted into the AAO-HNS Hall of Distinction in June 2024, Dr. Nathan is an internationally recognized surgeon-scientist whose career has advanced patient care, humanitarianism, and mentorship in the specialty of otolaryngology. Her research on head and neck squamous cell cancer, particularly the molecular analysis of surgical margins, has earned national and international acclaim.

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