Faculty Newsmakers
Since 2015, University Communications and Marketing (UCM) has proudly honored hundreds of OHIO faculty members whose work, insights and expertise have elevated Ohio University’s national and global profile through media coverage. These individuals—our OHIO Faculty Newsmakers—represent the excellence, leadership and impact of our academic community.
Starting in 2025, we changed the way we recognized newsmakers in order to highlight even more faculty expertise, accolades and mentions. Each month, we spotlight faculty, through social media and OHIO Today, who have made notable appearances in the news, culminating in a year-end recognition of all honorees.
Some ways in which faculty may be recognized include:
- Being quoted as an expert or source in one or more media stories
- Having research or creative work picked up by multiple news outlets
- Being featured in a significant media profile or article
- Receiving an award or honor highlighted by the media
Faculty interested in learning more about their individual media mentions or would like detailed analytics, please contact us directly at media@ohio.edu. We're happy to provide personalized reports for any faculty member.
We look forward to celebrating even more of the extraordinary accomplishments of OHIO’s faculty.
2026 Newsmakers
Associate Professor and Osteopathic Heritage Foundation Ralph S. Licklider, D.O. Endowed Professor in Behavioral Diabetes in the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Beverly was highlighted for her leadership role as president-elect of health care and education on the American Diabetes Association’s 2026 board of directors. Beverly is a nationally recognized expert whose research focuses on the psychosocial aspects of diabetes, rural health disparities and health care professional education. She was featured in the Associated Press and the American Diabetes Association, among other outlets. Beverly’s work in team-based care and translating research into real-world solutions underscores the ADA’s efforts to improve outcomes for people affected by diabetes.
News Stories
- The Associated Press - "The American Diabetes Association Welcomes 2026 Principal Officers and Members to the National Board of Directors"
- American Diabetes Association - "The American Diabetes Association Welcomes 2026 Principal Officers and Members to the National Board of Directors"
- Logan Daily News - "Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine faculty member named president-elect of American Diabetes Association"
Russ Professor and Vice Director for Business Development of the Ohio Research Institute for Transportation and the Environment in the Russ College of Engineering and Technology
Sargand highlighted ongoing research aimed at improving the nation’s aging underground pipe infrastructure amid renewed scrutiny of pipeline safety following a recent natural gas pipeline failure in Minnesota. Sargand explained that traditional methods of excavating and replacing corroded pipes are costly and disruptive, prompting his team’s investigation into rehabilitative techniques such as cured-in-place pipe liners that could extend service life with less traffic impact.
News Stories
Assistant Professor in the College of Arts and Sciences
Zhao was published in Phys.org, among other outlets, after contributing key research on how everyday screen time can influence stress recovery in adults as part of a broader study on work–life balance. The research, which used large national survey data and student surveys to assess screen time and mood, suggests that moderate post-work screen engagement could play a restorative role in mental well-being, even as it underscores caution about the risks of excessive device use.
News Stories
- Phys.org - "Long day at work? Go ahead and watch some TV, research suggests"
- Education News Canada - "Long day at work? Go ahead and watch some TV, research suggests"
- WDC TV News - "A little TV after a long day is good for your brain"
- Popular Science - "A little TV after a long day is good for your brain"