Murray State University and Alumni Association name 2026 faculty research award recipients

MURRAY, Ky. — Three faculty members have been recognized by the Murray State University Alumni Association for exceptional contributions to research and scholarship. These distinguished individuals were honored at the annual Faculty Recognition Banquet held in the Curris Center during Spring Scholars Week on April 16. 

2026 Award Recipients:

• Murray State University Alumni Association Emerging Scholar Award (Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts): Cintia Segovia Figueroa, Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts, assistant professor of photography and new media, Department of Art & Design.

Professor Segovia Figueroa has maintained a sustained record of national and international exhibitions and grants. Her interdisciplinary research focuses on migrant voices, exemplified by her collaborative work across colleges to support the arts in multiple disciplines.

• Murray State University Alumni Association Emerging Scholar Award (STEM): Sourav Chatterjee, Ph.D., assistant professor and former chair-elect of the American Chemical Society’s Kentucky Lake Section, Department of Chemistry.

Dr. Chatterjee’s grants, publications and independent research group focus on developing advanced polymeric and ionic liquid–based materials. His work contributes to carbon dioxide capture, gas separation and electrochemical energy applications, including hydrogen production.

• Murray State University Alumni Association Distinguished Researcher Award (STEM): Christopher A. Craig, Ph.D., Tom W. Hutchens Endowed Professor, Department of Management, Marketing and Business Administration. 

Since joining Murray State in 2019, Dr. Craig has published 49 articles. His research primarily explores the complex interactions between the natural environment, organizational performance and society at large.

Presidential Research Award:

In addition to the Alumni Association honors, the Presidential Research Award was presented to Associate Professor Oliver M. Beckers, Ph.D., who teaches in the Department of Biological Sciences. Dr. Beckers’ research seeks to better understand how environmental temperature fluctuations impact animal communication.

All awards were juried by the Murray State University Research Policy Committee.