Christy K. Holland, PhD, named UC's 2026-27 Big 12 Faculty of the Year
Scott, Christy and Karl Holland (UC '16)
Christy K. Holland, PhD, distinguished research professor of internal medicine and biomedical engineering at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine and College of Engineering and Applied Science, has been named UC's 2026-27 Big 12 Faculty of the Year. The Big 12 Conference announced the award on Sept. 2, 2026, recognizing one faculty member from each of the conference's 16 member institutions for excellence in innovation and research.
Holland holds the Hanna Endowed Chair of Cardiology and serves as interim director of the Center for Cardiovascular Research, vice chair of basic science research in the Department of Internal Medicine and director of the Image-Guided Ultrasound Therapeutics Laboratories. A faculty member in the Division of Cardiovascular Health and Disease, she also holds a joint appointment in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. In its announcement, the Big 12 described Holland as an internationally recognized leader in biomedical ultrasound who has authored more than 150 publications and focuses on innovative approaches to cardiovascular treatment.
The recognition comes after Holland was named a distinguished research professor in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine (STEMM) — the highest level of recognition for research achievement at UC — at the 2026 All-University Faculty Awards in April. Holland was recognized on the field during UC's football game against Utah on Oct. 31, 2026.
"The Big 12 continues to shine on and off the field, and that's evidenced in the diversity of academic offerings and achievements of our faculty across the conference," said Jenn Hunter, the Big 12 Conference's chief impact officer. "Their work has a profound impact on both their campuses and society as a whole. We're proud that these outstanding educators call the Big 12 home."
Advancing ultrasound from discovery to patient care
Holland's research program, housed in the Image-Guided Ultrasound Therapeutics Laboratories within the UC Center for Cardiovascular Research, explores therapeutic and diagnostic applications of biomedical ultrasound. Her work spans sonothrombolysis — using ultrasound to help break down blood clots — as well as ultrasound-mediated drug and bioactive gas delivery and high-amplitude pulsed ultrasound therapies. Across each of these areas, her overarching goal is to move innovative technologies from discovery to patient care.
During more than 30 years at UC, Holland has secured more than $17 million in research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and holds 11 U.S. and international patents. She has also helped shape biomedical engineering at UC. As a founding co-principal investigator on the Whitaker Foundation award, she helped establish UC's Department of Biomedical Engineering and educational programs in 2001.
A global leader in biomedical ultrasound
Holland's impact in her field extends far beyond Cincinnati. She has delivered 136 lectures and plenary talks at international conferences and has mentored PhD students at institutions across Europe, Australia, Asia and North America. She served as editor-in-chief of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology from 2006 to 2021 and as president of the Acoustical Society of America from 2015 to 2017.
She is a fellow of the Acoustical Society of America; the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine; the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering; the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics and Frequency Control Society; and an alumna of the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine program. In 2024, she received both the William J. Fry Memorial Lecture Award from the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine and the IEEE Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics and Frequency Control Test of Time Award.
Holland shared, "I am truly honored to be selected as a 2026-27 Big 12 Faculty of the Year recipient. This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the collaborative efforts of outstanding colleagues, trainees, students and research partners who have contributed to our work over many years. As a professor at the University of Cincinnati, I have been fortunate to pursue research, education and mentorship that can make a positive impact on public health while helping develop the next generation of scientists and healthcare professionals. Receiving this honor is both humbling and motivating, and I look forward to continuing the work that has made such opportunities possible."
Featured image at top: Christy Holland, PhD, receives the 2026-27 Big 12 Faculty of the Year Award from Brian Hatch, PhD, faculty athletics representative and professor of finance in the Carl H. Lindner College of Business, during halftime of the University of Cincinnati football game on Oct. 31. Photo/University of Cincinnati Athletics.
About the Big 12 Faculty of the Year Award
Now in its third year, the Big 12 Faculty of the Year Award honors one outstanding faculty member from each of the conference's 16 member institutions who has excelled in innovation and research. Institutions nominate honorees in collaboration with faculty athletics representatives, provosts and other university leaders, and nominees must be full-time faculty members who have taught at their institution for at least two years. The award also showcases the breadth of research breakthroughs and educational opportunities available to students across Big 12 campuses. UC joined the Big 12 Conference in 2023.
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