Elena Grigorenko, the Hugh Roy and Lillie Cranz Cullen Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the 91视频, has received the Big 12 Faculty of the Year Award, a prestigious honor recognizing one standout scholar from each conference institution.
鈥淚鈥檓 deeply honored to receive this award, particularly at a time when the University of Houston鈥檚 impact is growing across the Big 12 and beyond,鈥� Grigorenko said. 鈥淚 take my responsibilities as a teacher and researcher very seriously, and I strive every day to advance UH鈥檚 excellence as a place where knowledge is created and wisdom is thoughtfully passed on to our students.鈥�
This is the latest accolade for Grigorenko, who received the Esther Farfel Award last year, the University鈥檚 highest faculty honor recognizing a career defined by groundbreaking research, exceptional teaching and dedicated service.
Since arriving at UH over a decade ago, Grigorenko has built an internationally recognized research portfolio focused on child and adolescent learning and developmental disorders. Her work bridges cognitive science, genetics and education policy, translating cutting-edge research into practical tools that improve diagnosis, intervention and outcomes for children worldwide.
鈥淚鈥檓 deeply honored to receive this award, particularly at a time when the University of Houston鈥檚 impact is growing across the Big 12 and beyond.鈥�
鈥擴H Psychology Professor Elena Grigorenko
Reflecting the scope and impact of her work, Grigorenko has secured millions of dollars in competitive funding from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Education, as well as numerous private foundations. A prolific scholar, Grigorenko has authored hundreds of peer-reviewed articles, books and book chapters.
鈥淧rofessor Grigorenko鈥檚 groundbreaking research in childhood developmental disorders, including dyslexia, is transforming lives around the world,鈥� said UH President Renu Khator. 鈥淏y uncovering the underlying causes of these conditions, clinicians can improve diagnosis and treatment and change the trajectory of a child鈥檚 life. That鈥檚 what makes this award so well-deserved.鈥�
The Big 12 established the award to highlight outstanding faculty achievement and showcase the breadth of research and educational opportunities available at each institution. Honorees are nominated by their universities in collaboration with athletics representatives, provosts and other campus leaders. Physics professor Zhifeng Ren was UH鈥檚 inaugural honoree in 2024.
鈥淲e are constantly looking for ways to highlight how Big 12 faculty continue to educate and inspire the next generation of leaders,鈥� said Big 12 Chief Impact Officer Jenn Hunter. 鈥淔rom the arts and filmmaking to business and engineering, this year鈥檚 cohort showcases the vast opportunities available to students pursuing an education on Big 12 campuses.鈥�
Grigorenko鈥檚 selection further affirms the 91视频鈥檚 sustained investment in faculty whose discoveries fuel innovation, expand opportunity and advance knowledge worldwide.