Hovakimyan recognized by Illinois Grainger Engineering for research-to-innovation

5/11/2026

MechSE Prof. Naira Hovakimyan was selected for a Dean's Award for Early Innovation for Professor for her work at the early stages of the innovation life cycle to turn research into products that benefit the world. 

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portrait of Naira HovakimyanW. Grafton and Lillian B. Wilkins Professor Naira Hovakimyan was named a recipient of the 2026 Dean’s Award for Early Innovation for Professor.

This award recognizes exceptional individuals who are working at the early stages of the innovation life cycle to turn their research into products that benefit the world. Candidates are selected from the pool of faculty who made invention disclosures to the Office of Technology Management during the previous academic year.

Hovakimyan’s impact through translational research can be seen, in part, in her numerous patents in the field of adaptive control and machine learning. The significance of her patents is in the capabilities of the groundbreaking adaptive control technology that was not previously available for use in mission-critical and control system applications. Her patents have been commercialized by numerous companies.

Hovakimyan was formally recognized at the Engineering Awards Convocation April 27.


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This story was published May 11, 2026.