CapstoneEngineerMagazineFall2026 - Flipbook - Page 18
FACULTY NEWS & ACCOLADES
Dr. Sichen Yuan, assistant professor
in the department of aerospace
engineering and mechanics, received
the Office of Naval Research Young
Investigator Award, which supports
early-career academic scientists
and engineers who demonstrate
exceptional promise for creative research.
Dr. Jason Bara, professor in the
department of chemical and biological
engineering, was one of three UA faculty
members appointed as a Distinguished
Research Professor, reflecting his
contributions to the development
of advanced polymer materials and
composites based on ionic liquids.
Dr. Tibor Szilvási, assistant professor
and graduate program coordinator
in the department of chemical and
biological engineering, received the
American Chemical Society Catalysis
Science and Technology Division Early
Career in Catalysis Award; the Capstone
Catalyst Award from The University
of Alabama; and the National Science
Foundation EPSCoR Research Fellow Award.
Dr. Rohan Sood, associate professor
in the department of aerospace
engineering and mechanics, was
elected to the American Institute of
Aeronautics and Astronautics Class of
2026 Associate Fellows.
Dr. Luke Brewer, professor in the
department of metallurgical and
materials engineering and director of
the Center for Advanced Manufacturing
and Materials Design Integration, was
awarded the T. Morris Hackney Endowed
Faculty Leadership Award. This award honors a
faculty member who exemplifies the guidance and
leadership necessary to make the Styslinger College
of Engineering exceptional.
Dr. Jialai Wang, professor in the
department of civil, construction and
environmental engineering, was elected
as a fellow of the American Society of
Civil Engineers, one of the organization’s
highest professional distinctions.
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Dr. Zhengnan Li, assistant professor in
the department of electrical and computer
engineering, was appointed as an editorial
board member for Scientific Reports
and an associate editor for the Institute
of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Wireless Communications Letters.
Dr. Ramana Reddy, ACIPCO endowed
professor in the department of
metallurgical and materials engineering,
received the American Institute of
Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum
Engineers Honorary Membership Award
for outstanding scientific achievement in fields related
to the activities of AIME and its member societies.
He was also elected to the ASM International Board
of Trustees.
Drs. Gregory
Thompson, professor
in the department
of metallurgical and
materials engineering,
Vishesh Vikas,
associate professor in the department of mechanical
engineering, and Ryan Summers, associate professor
in the department of chemical and biological
engineering, were inducted into the National
Academy of Inventors.
Dr. Sriram Aaleti, professor and
associate department head for
graduate studies in the department of
civil, construction and environmental
engineering, was one of four recipients
of the Outstanding Commitment to
Teaching Award.
Drs. Tianjiao Lei, assistant
professor in the department
of metallurgical and materials
engineering, Lina Pu, assistant
professor in the department of
computer science, Zhongyang
Wang, assistant professor in
the department of chemical
and biological engineering, and
Pan Zhao, assistant professor
in the department of aerospace
engineering and mechanics, were recognized with
National Science Foundation CAREER Awards, one of
the most prestigious honors for early-career faculty.
