Wayne State welcomes accomplished new faculty for 2025-26

Wayne State University began the academic year with 70 new faculty members joining its 13 schools and colleges between January and Sept. 1. From audiology, AI and edge computing to anthropology, rhetoric, history, music, costume design and interactive media, oncology, neurology, chemistry and criminal justice and more, these scholars bring a diverse wealth of knowledge, experience and passion to Wayne State.

The new faculty joined Wayne State from prestigious institutions across the country and have collaborated with some of the biggest names in the research, business and nonprofit sectors. They are showcased on a new webpage from the Division of Academic Affairs that includes academic profiles and departmental information.

New faculty members say they chose Wayne State for many reasons, including its urban location in a dynamic city, community engagement, opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration at a major research institution, the diversity of the student body, and its commitment to student success.

Dr. Dawa Seo, a geotechnical engineer and assistant professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, said she was drawn to Wayne State's location and the diversity of the campus community.

"Wayne State's unique location in an urban center near the Great Lakes offers me opportunities to expand my research and translate it further into real-world impact," she said. "Working and learning with a diverse group of students with different perspectives makes me a better professor and scholar."

Dr. Kelly Tremblay, professor of communication sciences and disorders, is a nationally renowned neuroscientist and audiologist who was drawn to Wayne State because of its deep commitment to empowering health and strong research reputation. Tremblay's work leverages her expertise in the aging brain to advance auditory rehabilitation services for older adults.

"Being in the heart of Detroit, Wayne State is a part of a large ecosystem of resources, including clinical sciences and community-based research," said Tremblay. "I look forward to joining forces with regional partners to create an enriched learning environment for clinicians and researchers, and to bring research out of the lab and into our communities."

The 2025-26 cohort of new faculty includes several new faculty who transitioned into their appointments as part of Wayne State's Pathway to Faculty program, offered in collaboration by the Office of the Provost and the Graduate School, which provides mentorship, resources and professional development to pre-faculty fellows to support them on their path to a tenure-track position. Wayne State also welcomed three scholars associated with Detroit Center for Black Studies, supported by a 2023 Mellon Foundation grant to hire humanities faculty whose research focuses on the Black experience.

The newest cohort of faculty includes 10 Wayne State alumni. Dr. David Malik-Mitchell Patwin, assistant professor of teaching in mathematics, is a three-time WSU alumnus and life-long Detroiter who first stepped foot on campus in 2010 as a high school student participating in the Math Corps program. Patwin has participated in the program every summer since and looks forward to giving back to the next generation of students. He teaches algebra, functions and statistics.

"Being around the city and the students, Wayne State has always held a place in my heart," said Patwin. "As a professor, if I can do anything, I want to help prepare students for life in general. Outside of success in my math course, I want to give them the tools they need to succeed beyond the classroom and after they graduate."

New faculty orientation for full-time faculty was held Aug. 18 and provided a resource fair and presentations on a variety of topics including an overview of the student body, research support and instructional resources. The day ended with a reception hosted by Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy, Wayne State University president.

"We are thrilled to welcome such a talented cohort of scholars to our outstanding faculty," said President Espy. "Our faculty play a critical role in accelerating student success through a transformative educational experience, empowering urban health through impactful training and care, and fueling innovation through cutting edge discovery that leads to new medicines, technologies, programs and policies that foster the economic and social development for our region and the world."

The Office of Faculty Affairs and Development in the Division of Academic Affairs will host a new faculty seminar series throughout the semester with sessions on student conduct and care, academic grading and policies, and international opportunities for new faculty.

Wayne State has approximately 1,470 full-time and 900 part-time faculty members.