VCU news

By VCU News staff

Two Virginia Commonwealth University professors have been honored as part of the 2025 Outstanding Faculty Awards, which are presented by the State Council of Higher Education and Dominion Energy.

VCU’s recipients are Fadi N. Salloum, Ph.D., a professor in the School of Medicine, and Xuewei Wang, Ph.D., a professor in the College of Humanities and Sciences. Since 1987, the Outstanding Faculty Awards have recognized faculty at Virginia’s institutions of higher learning who exemplify the highest standards of teaching, scholarship and service. There are 12 winners this year. Each recipient earns a $7,500 gift from Dominion Energy at an in-person ceremony on March 4, 2025, in Richmond.

Salloum is the associate chair for research and a professor in the Department of Internal Medicine in the School of Medicine, as well as a professor and interim chair of the Department of Physiology and Biophysics. He also is the associate director of research mentoring and preclinical science for the Pauley Heart Center. Salloum, who earned his Ph.D. in cardiovascular physiology from VCU, has mentored numerous trainees and currently leads a multi-disciplinary translational heart failure research program. His research focuses on identifying the molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for cardiac injury, inflammation and heart failure. 

“I am truly humbled to have been selected as a recipient of the 2025 SCHEV Outstanding Faculty Award to represent the departments of Internal Medicine and Physiology and Biophysics at VCU,” Salloum said. “As someone who has spent all my graduate education, postdoctoral training and career as a faculty member at VCU, this speaks volumes to the incredible collaborative environment and support for team-teaching, team-science and team-mentoring in our School of Medicine and university. I am grateful for all the opportunities that VCU has offered and look forward to more scientific and educational contributions, especially pertaining to the success of my students and mentees.”

Wang, an associate professor of chemistry, was named as a Rising Star, which rewards early-career achievement. His current research focuses on developing ultrasensitive optical and electrochemical sensors for affordable and accessible medical diagnostics and disease management. Wang has authored 45 publications and holds two U.S. patents, with six more pending. In addition, he is a grant reviewer for the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. 

"I am deeply honored to be recognized as a Rising Star by SCHEV. This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of my trainees, the support of my colleagues, and the inspiration I draw from the vibrant VCU research community," Wang said. "With this recognition, I will strive to further push the boundaries of research in biosensors and biomaterials, mentor the next generation of scientists, and contribute to meaningful advancements that address health care challenges."