Manhattan University Announces Inaugural ARCH Innovation Exchange Faculty Fellows
Manhattan University today announced its inaugural class of Faculty Fellows for the ARCH Innovation Exchange. ARCH, which stands for Analytics, Research, Creativity, and Humanity, is a campus-wide approach to learning that combines the foundations from the University’s three schools – the Kakos School of Arts and Sciences, the O’Malley School of Business, and the School of Engineering. The projects will advance interdisciplinary collaboration, experiential learning, inclusive pedagogy, and innovative engagement with artificial intelligence.
The Fellows will embark on a range of projects, including:
- J. Patrick Abulencia (Chemical Engineering) – Entrepreneurship for Society
In collaboration with the Entrepreneurship Center in the O’Malley School of Business, Dr. Abulencia will develop a new course sequence designed to connect engineering education with service learning and community impact. The course will emphasize engineers’ responsibilities to serve society by applying technical expertise to real-world social challenges. - Mehnaz Afridi (Religion & Philosophy) & Dr. Christie Gonzalez-Toro (Kinesiology) – Embodied Learning, Inclusive Design
This interdisciplinary faculty workshop series will unite the humanities and sciences to advance inclusive teaching practices for students with sensory disabilities. Grounded in Universal Design for Learning principles, the initiative will provide practical, AI-resilient strategies for creating accessible, embodied learning environments. - Lydia Crafts (History) – Interdisciplinary Minor in Health Humanities
Dr. Crafts will lead the development of a new interdisciplinary minor in Health Humanities. The program will integrate perspectives from the humanities, social sciences, and health fields to examine the cultural, ethical, and social dimensions of health, illness, and public trust in medicine. - Wafa Elmannai (Electrical & Computer Engineering) – Interdisciplinary AI Research Cohort
Dr. Elmannai will expand a proven mentorship model into a structured interdisciplinary AI research cohort. The program will prepare undergraduate and graduate students to become ethical, independent AI researchers through hands-on projects, AI ethics training, and external partnership development. - Jay Friedenberg (Psychology) – Existential Risk Education Initiative
Dr. Friedenberg will launch an educational initiative focused on existential global risks, including climate change, pandemics, artificial intelligence governance and safety, and disinformation. The project includes a speaker series and long-term plans for expanded programming to equip students with the knowledge and critical tools needed to address emerging global threats. - Mehdi Omidvar (Civil Engineering) – Research Collaboration Database
Dr. Omidvar will design and implement a university-wide Research Collaboration Database to strengthen interdisciplinary research across the campus. The initiative will create searchable faculty research profiles and project databases, fostering discovery, collaboration, and more strategic use of institutional expertise and resources. - Laura Redruello (Spanish) – International Academic Collaboration Initiative (COIL Model)
Dr. Redruello will establish a flexible infrastructure for Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL), connecting Manhattan University courses with global partner institutions. The initiative will embed international, team-based projects into existing curricula, promoting cross-cultural competency and global problem-solving.
Bridget Chalk, Ph.D., Interim Provost and Professor of English at Manhattan University, stated,
“ARCH is the embodiment of an academic framework that will prepare all our students to meet the challenges of the real world. The 2026 ARCH Faculty Fellows exemplify Manhattan University’s commitment to innovation, interdisciplinary, and transformative learning experiences.”
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About Manhattan University
Founded in 1853, Manhattan University is an independent Lasallian Catholic institution located in Riverdale, NY that embraces students of all faiths, cultures, and traditions. The mission of the University is to provide a dynamic student-centered educational experience that prepares graduates for lives of personal development, professional success, civic engagement, and service to their fellow human beings. Manhattan University offers programs that integrate a broad liberal arts education coupled with a concentration in specific disciplines in the arts and sciences with professional preparation in business and engineering, ensuring graduates will excel in their chosen fields. The University consists of the Kakos School of Arts & Sciences, the O’Malley School of Business, and the School of Engineering. For further information, please visit www.manhattan.edu.