TAMEST 2026 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards
Using innovative genome and RNA sequencing to improve the diagnosis and treatment of rare genetic diseases. Advancing sustainable and high-efficiency energy conversion systems for electric vehicles and industrial automation. Uncovering how RNAs and proteins interact at the molecular level and providing key insights for gene regulation, cancer biology and RNA-based therapeutics. Exploring new quantum behaviors in ultra-thin materials that change how we think about physics. Applying artificial intelligence to optimize real-time industrial processes in the energy sector.
These are the breakthroughs by Texas’ rising stars in research being honored with the 2026 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards by TAMEST (Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science & Technology):
- Medicine: Pengfei Liu, Ph.D., Baylor College of Medicine
- Engineering: Bilal Akin, Ph.D., The University of Texas at Dallas
- Biological Sciences: Yunsun Nam, Ph.D., UT Southwestern Medical Center
- Physical Sciences: Fan Zhang, Ph.D., The University of Texas at Dallas
- Technology Innovation: Yue Hu, Ph.D., bp
“The Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards have shone a spotlight on Texas’ brightest emerging researchers who are pushing the boundaries of science and technology for the past 20 years,” said Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards Committee Chair Margaret A. Goodell, Ph.D. (NAM, NAS), Baylor College of Medicine, who herself received the O’Donnell Award in Medicine in 2011. “Each year, these awards celebrate not only exceptional individual achievement but also the profound impact that innovative research has on communities, industries and our future. It is inspiring to witness the next generation of trailblazers making Texas a global leader in transformative discovery.”
Since the inception of the O’Donnell Awards in 2006, nearly $2.2 million has been awarded to more than 85 recipients in the categories of medicine, engineering, biological sciences, physical sciences and technology innovation. Eighteen past recipients have gone on to be elected to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, including six elected to more than one National Academy.
The recipients will be honored at the 20th Anniversary Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards Dinner and Ceremony on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, and will present their research on February 3 and February 4, 2026, at the TAMEST 2026 Annual Conference: Pioneering Climate Innovations. Both events take place at the Kimpton Santo Hotel in San Antonio, Texas.
All are welcome to register to attend the ceremony and the conference.
Nominations for the 2027 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards will open Tuesday, January 20, 2026, and close Monday, March 30, 2026, at 6 p.m. CT.
Learn more about the 2026 O’Donnell Awards recipients:
Medicine
“Dr. Liu is a true innovator in integrating cutting-edge genomics by using a patient’s genetic information to guide clinical diagnostics and care. His creative advances are directly improving lives, and he truly embodies the spirit of the O’Donnell Awards – advancing science through bold modernization and transformative patient care.”
Arthur L. Beaudet, M.D. (NAM, NAS), Professor Emeritus at Baylor College of Medicine
Pengfei Liu, Ph.D.
Trailblazing geneticist Pengfei Liu, Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Department of Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine, is the recipient of the 2026 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Award in Medicine from TAMEST (Texas Academy of Medicine, Engineering, Science and Technology). He was chosen for his transformative use of genome and RNA sequencing to improve the diagnosis and treatment of rare genetic diseases.
A global leader in his field, Dr. Liu has consistently expanded the boundaries in the diagnosis and treatment of rare genetic disorders. His contributions span nearly every major advancement in modern clinical genetics – from early discoveries of genome rearrangement mechanisms to transforming exome, whole genome and RNA sequencing into frontline clinical diagnostics. These advancements enable clinicians to analyze a person’s genetic code to better understand diseases, leading to faster and more accurate diagnoses.
Engineering
“Dr. Akin’s unique ability to translate high-level research into solutions with global industrial relevance is what sets him apart. His interdisciplinary work has helped to create safer, smarter and more energy-efficient technologies across multiple sectors and he is helping to move the needle forward on the prevalence of EV options around the world.”
Inga H. Musselman, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at The University of Texas at Dallas.
Bilal Akin, Ph.D.
Groundbreaking electrical engineer Bilal Akin, Ph.D., Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at The University of Texas at Dallas, is the recipient of the 2026 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Award in Engineering from TAMEST. He was chosen for his cutting-edge advancement of sustainable and high-efficiency energy conversion systems for electric vehicles (EVs) and industrial automation.
Dr. Akin’s research focuses on making power electronics systems more efficient, reliable and sustainable, with major impacts on EVs, factories and energy infrastructure. He has developed significant and innovative contributions to the field of power electronics diagnostics and failure monitoring, developing novel approaches that enable early warnings and enhance system safety – methods now adopted worldwide.
Biological Sciences
“Dr. Nam is a brilliant scientist whose discoveries have transformed how scientists think about gene regulation and opened entirely new avenues in RNA biology and cancer research. Her structural, biochemical and genetic insights have already reshaped the field and will continue to fuel transformative advances in molecular biology. She is truly helping turn basic science into medical breakthroughs.”
Yuh Min Chook, Ph.D., Professor of Pharmacology and Biophysics at UT Southwestern and recipient of the 2015 O’Donnell Award in Biological Sciences
Yunsun Nam, Ph.D.
Renowned molecular biologist Yunsun Nam, Ph.D., Professor in the Departments of Biochemistry and Biophysics and the Doris and Bryan Wildenthal Distinguished Chair in Medical Science at UT Southwestern Medical Center, is the recipient of the 2026 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Award in Biological Sciences from TAMEST. She was chosen for her groundbreaking research into how RNAs and proteins interact at the molecular level – providing key insights for gene regulation, cancer biology and RNA-based therapeutics.
Crucial cellular events rely on precise communication between proteins and RNAs. Dr. Nam’s lab is uncovering the molecular rules that govern this specificity. Her group elucidated how tiny regulatory molecules called microRNAs are selected and processed in cells, a step critical for switching specific genes “on” or “off.” Her discoveries further revealed that a molecule called heme – more commonly known for carrying oxygen in red blood cells – fine-tunes the fidelity of the Microprocessor complex, a protein machine central to microRNA biogenesis.
Physical Sciences
“Dr. Zhang is an exceptional scientist whose bold theoretical insights have transformed our understanding of quantum matter and inspired a wave of experimental discovery. His work is redefining the boundaries of condensed matter physics and has enormous potential for technological innovation.”
Inga H. Musselman, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at The University of Texas at Dallas
Fan Zhang, Ph.D.
Pioneering theoretical physicist Fan Zhang, Ph.D., Professor in the Department of Physics at The University of Texas at Dallas, is the recipient of the 2026 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Award in Physical Sciences from TAMEST. He was chosen for his transformational research exploring new topological quantum matter, which has changed how we think about physics.
Dr. Zhang studies how millions of electrons in atomically thin materials interact to produce collective quantum effects such as magnetic, superconducting and topological phases. His theoretical predictions have guided and inspired scientists worldwide, leading to major discoveries in condensed matter physics.
Technology Innovation
“Dr. Hu is a visionary technologist who has brought advanced artificial intelligence out of the lab and into the field, driving both tangible business and environmental impact. Her courage in bridging experimental AI methods with real-world challenges is advancing decision intelligence, operational safety and energy efficiency at scale.”
Martin R. Gonzalez, Ph.D., Innovation and Technology Principal, bp Oil and Gas Technology
Yue Hu, Ph.D.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovator Yue Hu, Ph.D., AI Specialist – Production Technology at bp, is the recipient of the 2026 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Award in Technology Innovation from TAMEST. She was chosen for her cutting-edge work applying AI to optimize real-time industrial processes in the energy sector.
Dr. Hu specializes in reinforcement learning (RL), an AI approach that learns by trial and error. While RL has proven powerful in fields like robotics and gaming, it had rarely been applied successfully to high-stakes oilfield operations. By combining AI with bp’s powerful computing systems, Dr. Hu has successfully applied RL tools to complex processes like hydraulic fracturing to help make smarter, safer and more efficient decisions in real time.
