WVU Statler College appoints Dean's Leadership Faculty Fellows

Statler College announces Oishi Sanyal and Omar Al-Shebeeb as the selected Dean's Leadership Faculty Fellows. (WVU Photo/Paige Nesbit)

As part of its commitment to developing academic leaders who drive innovation and institutional growth in teaching, research, and engagement, the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University has announced the 2025–2026 Dean’s Leadership Fellows.

Story by Paige Nesbit, Director of Marketing and Communications
Cerasela Dinu, Associate Dean of Student, Faculty and Staff Engagement
Photos by Paige Nesbit

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

This leadership program supports the professional growth of engineering faculty by fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and leadership. Through targeted development opportunities and leadership engagement, it empowers faculty to take on impactful roles within our institution, thus contributing to strategic goals and driving continuous improvement across the college and beyond. 

Dean’s Fellowship for Research  

Oishi Sanyal, assistant professor in the chemical and biomedical engineering department has been named the Dean’s Fellow for Research. In this appointment, Sanyal will be supported by Xingbo Liu, associate dean for research. As a fellow, Sanyal aims to help foster interdisciplinary collaborations between faculty members and help mentor newer faculty members who have joined our college. 

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the Dean’s Leadership Fellow in Research for the 2025-2026 academic year," Sanyal stated. “This role presents a unique chance to contribute to the ongoing advancement and success of the college’s research mission. Considering the anticipated changes in federal research priorities, I look forward to collaborating with the Research Office to define and develop new strategic initiatives that align with the evolving landscape and position the college for continued growth. Through this process, I hope to play a role in fostering new interdisciplinary collaborations among the various research groups within the college. Finally, I am enthusiastic about participating in mentoring initiatives for new faculty members. By supporting them as they establish and develop their research programs, I aim to contribute to their success and to the overall growth of the college’s research community.”  

Sanyal received her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Michigan State University in 2016. She earned her B.S. degree also in Chemical Engineering from Manipal Academy of Higher Education in India in 2011. Sanyal joined the college in 2020, and her current research is focused on the development of advanced membranes as the next generation separation tools for water treatment and gas separation. Her areas of interests include, but are not limited to, hypersaline produced water desalination, natural gas upgrading, and flue gas purification. 

Sanyal will also work alongside Loren Rieth, associate professor in the mechanical, materials and aerospace engineering department now in his second year as a Dean’s Fellow for Research. 

Dean’s Fellowship for Engagement and Outreach  

Omar Al-Shebeeb, teaching assistant professor in the industrial and management systems engineering department was named the In this appointment, Al-Shebeeb will be supported by Cerasela Zoica Dinu, associate dean for student, faculty and staff engagement. 

Al-Shebeeb aims to develop STATLER CONNECT, a dedicated alumni mentorship and networking platform designed to strengthen the Statler College community. The initiative will provide students with direct access to alumni mentors, career opportunities, and professional development pathways while offering alumni meaningful ways to stay engaged with their alma mater. By bridging generations of engineers, STATLER CONNECT seeks to improve student success, foster a stronger culture of mentorship, and position the college as a national model for alumni students’ collaboration.  

"I am excited to design STATLER CONNECT. By bridging generations of Statler engineers, STATLER CONNECT is envisioned to transform mentorship into opportunity thus strengthening professional networks, career readiness, and our shared sense of belonging.” Al-Shebeeb said. “This fellowship will provide the support to build something that strengthens our community, helping students succeed while deepening alumni pride and engagement with Statler College." 

Al-Shebeeb earned his doctorate in industrial engineering from West Virginia University in 2019. He joined the Statler College in 2020 and brings experience in Manufacturing and Assembly and design efficiency, design thinking, productivity improvement, advanced manufacturing and technologies, subtractive and additive manufacturing, quality control, manufacturing facilities design and material handling, and CAD/CAM/CIM/CIE systems and applications.  

Al-Shebeeb will also work alongside Mohamed Hefeida, teaching associate professor in the Lane Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering now in his second year as a Dean’s Fellow for Engagement.  

Also, in his second year, Andrew Rhodes, a teaching assistant professor in the mechanical, materials and aerospace engineering department and the Dean’s Fellow for Academics supported by Robin Hissam, associate dean of academics and student performance.    

The Dean’s Office coordinates efforts to identify and involve faculty in key leadership opportunities, with associate deans partnering directly with faculty fellows to lead strategic initiatives. These collaborations aim to elevate research infrastructure, student achievement, expand industry and community partnerships, and support the university’s mission of sustained growth and impact. 

 

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