Three alumni from the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering have been elected by their peers to the National Academy of Engineers, one of the engineering field’s highest professional distinctions. The Grainger College of Engineering had nine total faculty or alumni selected for the prestigious honor.
Academy membership honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to engineering research, practice or education. Members are also recognized for pioneering new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of engineering, or developing and implementing innovative approaches to engineering education.
David McDowell (’81, M.S., ’83, Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering), regents’ professor emeritus, Georgia Institute of Technology, Lilburn: For microstructure-sensitive computational modeling of engineering alloys and methodologies for computational materials design.
Juan Gabriel Santiago (’92, M.S., ’95, Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering), Charles Lee Powell Foundation Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University: For advancing micro-scale transport and applications of microfluidic systems.
Karen Thole (’82, B.S., ’84, M.S., Mechanical Engineering), Robert J. Vlasic Dean, College of Engineering, The University of Michigan: For contributions to gas turbines through the development and deployment of innovative cooling technologies.
“NAE members are among the world’s most accomplished engineers. This recognition reflects the extraordinary impact of their work and underscores the strength and reach of Grainger Engineering and U. of I.,” said Rashid Bashir, dean of The Grainger College of Engineering. “I’m incredibly proud of our amazing community on campus and around the globe.”
Founded in 1964, the NAE provides independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation, offering leadership and insights to address complex challenges.