Professors Norma Alcantar, Robert Bishop, Subhra Mohapatra, and Robert Weisberg recognized for their research
TAMPA, Fla (June 8, 2023) – Four University of South Florida professors have been elected to the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida (ASEM-FL) in recognition of their innovative research. The new members are Norma Alcantar, Professor of Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering, Associate Dean for Research in the College of Engineering, and a member of the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame; Robert H. Bishop, Distinguished University Professor and Dean of the College of Engineering; Subhra Mohapatra, Professor of Molecular Medicine at USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and Research Career Scientist, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital; and Robert Weisberg, Distinguished University Professor Emeritus of Physical Oceanography at the College of Marine Science.
The ASEM-FL recognizes the work of individuals in Florida who have made significant societal impact in science, engineering and medicine. Dr. Alcantar’s work focuses on providing drinking water for low-income communities, working in functional natural materials, and disrupting amyloid fibril formation in Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Bishop has made exceptional contributions to the U.S. space program and an enduring global impact on engineering education. Dr. Mohapatra has pioneered developments in cellular and molecular engineering systems and nanoscale technologies, especially for advancing detection and treatment of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Weisberg’s research has advanced our understanding of tropical and coastal ocean current phenomena, contributing to our understanding of climate, hurricane impacts and harmful algae blooms.
Founded in 2018, the ASEM-FL is a not-for-profit organization comprising top scholars and researchers from across the state who study the scientific, engineering and medical challenges that impact Florida and provide unbiased, expert advice on how these challenges can be addressed. The USF faculty will be officially inducted into the ASEM-FL at a ceremony in Orlando in November.