College of Optics and Photonics Professor Shin-Tson Wu has earned an inaugural Big 12 Faculty of the Year Award, which spotlights exceptional faculty at each of the athletic conference’s 16 institutions who shine in research and innovation.

Wu’s trailblazing work with liquid crystal displays has led to leading-edge technologies in smart phones, tablets, augmented reality, virtual reality and other devices used around the globe. He is also widely recognized for mentoring his students. Several have gone on to excel at top companies like Apple, Google and Meta.

“Dr. Wu’s world-class expertise, impact, and dedication to student success make this honor well-deserved,” says Michael D. Johnson, UCF’s provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “UCF — and now academics in the Big 12 Athletic Conference — are distinguished by his pioneering work, scholarly excellence and positive influence.”

The award adds to the major honors Wu has earned since joining UCF in 2001. He’s a UCF trustee chair and also a Pegasus Professor, the highest honor a faculty member can earn at UCF.

Earlier this year, Wu’s remarkable body of work led to him becoming UCF’s inaugural Medal of Societal Impact awardee. The honor recognizes faculty whose research in engineering, medicine, or science has significantly benefited society.

Big 12 institutions nominated their faculty of the year candidates in conjunction with faculty athletics representatives, provosts and other university leaders.

The new awards showcase the academic excellence, diverse research breakthroughs and educational opportunities available to students at Big 12 institutions, says Big 12 Conference Chief Impact Officer Jenn Hunter.

“Academic success is at the core of the mission of the Big 12, and that success is only possible with the help of excellent educators dedicated to advancing education and innovation at our institutions,” Hunter says. “This year’s first-ever recipients highlight the diversity of educational opportunities across the conference.”

UCF joined the Big 12 last year as the youngest school among the nation’s major athletic conferences. In the latest U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings, UCF ties for third among public institutions and sixth overall among Big 12 member schools.