Velia M. Fowler is professor of biological sciences and chair of UD's Department of Biological Sciences. Her research examines how actin dynamics and myosin contractility provide structural stability and generate forces that shape cell membranes, cells and tissues. She studies how these processes influence biomechanics and physiology in red blood cells, the eye lens and striated muscle.

Fowler has published more than 160 articles, chapters and reviews and mentored more than 30 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. She has served as an associate editor for the Journal of Biological Chemistry, a study section reviewer for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and a program chair for international conferences. She was elected a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Her research has received investigator-initiated NIH funding for more than 40 years.

Joel Rosenthal is a professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and associate dean for research and graduate affairs in the College of Arts and Sciences. He previously served as chair and associate chair of graduate studies and research in the department.

His research focuses on chemical catalysis, electrosynthesis and phototheranostics, with support from the National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy, NIH, U.S. Department of Defense and industry partners. He has published nearly 100 articles and mentored more than 40 graduate students and postdoctoral researchers. Through interdisciplinary research initiatives and centers at UD and nationally, Rosenthal advances his research and the college's academic mission.