Diana Dragomir Honored with OAA Award
September 4, 2026
Six researchers from a wide range of disciplines at The University of New Mexico are the 2026 recipients of the Research and Creative Works Leadership Awards, announced by the Office of Academic Affairs.
This year’s recipients are innovators in their fields, which include medieval history, anthropology, smart infrastructure, exoplanets, vascular science and resuscitation.
The Research and Creative Works Leadership Awards honor recently promoted faculty who have accomplished outstanding research or creative works in their respective career stage.
Diana Dragomir, associate professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy, College of Arts and Sciences
Dragomir studies the origin and evolution of exoplanets, or planets around other stars, with a particular interest in exoplanets that orbit far from their stars.
She studies the composition and orbital properties of these exoplanets as well as the architecture of planetary systems.
In her words,
“Ultimately, I seek to answer the question of whether our solar system is common or rare, bringing us a little closer to understanding our place in the universe.”
She is considered an international leader in the fledging but burgeoning field of exoplanet exploration. She has over 93 publications, including articles in Nature and Nature Astronomy.
Dragomir has also received substantial research funding and numerous awards, including a 2025 NSF CAREER Award, the NASA Silver Achievement Medal, and the UNM Office of the Vice President for Research Ovation Award for Research and Scholarship.
