Faculty highlights

Two faculty members win NSF CAREER Award

Adolfo Escobedo, associate professor in the Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, received a Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for his groundbreaking work in the foundations of mathematical programming, a systematic approach using mathematical models and algorithms for optimal decision-making. Escobedo’s focus on enhancing optimization software reliability holds significant implications for science, engineering and business.

Yin Liu, assistant professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE), received his CAREER award for his research in optical metasurfaces. His research focuses on low-dimensional materials for their novel optoelectronic properties and potential applications. His research team is interested in using transmission electron microscopy imaging and spectroscopy in combination with optical spectroscopies to understand excitons, polaritons and optically active quantum defects in 2D materials.

The NSF CAREER Award is one of the most prestigious awards in support of junior faculty members who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through outstanding research, excellent education and the integration of education and research within the context of the mission of their organizations.

Yuan honored with 2023 R.J. Reynolds Award

Fuh-Gwo Yuan, Samuel P. Langley Distinguished Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, received the 2023 R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Award for Excellence in Teaching, Research and Extension.

Yuan’s research interests include structural health monitoring/management, nondestructive evaluation, artificial intelligence and machine learning, multi-functional materials and composite structures design, nano/meso scale sensors, advanced computing tools with smart sensors, damage prognosis and energy harvesting. He has authored or co-authored more than 300 publications. He has mentored more than 100 individuals ranging from Ph.D. students to visiting scholars. He is widely regarded as a gifted educator, and he is passionate about bringing cutting-edge research opportunities to the classroom.

Yuan also serves as a faculty member at the National Institute of Aerospace, where he has been leading research that is strengthening ties between NC State and the NASA Langley Research Center. He is a tireless ambassador for the University, resulting in significant NASA funding for College of Engineering faculty members.

Reynolds selected for the 2024 Fulbright-Hays Seminar Abroad

Kanton Reynolds, director of undergraduate programs and associate teaching professor in the Edward P. Fitts Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, was selected for the Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad Program in Colombia. Reynolds will travel to Bogotá, Leticia, Cali, Medellín and Barranquilla to meet with university leaders and to participate in knowledge exchange about climate change and the work Colombia is doing to build a more sustainable future.

Three faculty members among most cited researchers in the world

Three College of Engineering faculty members were recognized on Clarivate’s 2023 list of Highly Cited Researchers.

Aram Amassian, professor in MSE, develops and uses robotics and artificial intelligence to establish formulation-process-structure-property relationships in organic, quantum dot and metal-halide hybrid perovskite semiconductor materials.

Amay J. Bandodkar is an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering whose research includes work with the interface of electronics, materials science and biology to realize next-generation conformal sensors and energy devices with broad applications in wearables, implants and distributed systems.

Michael D. Dickey, Camille and Henry Dreyfus Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, studies and researches new ways to pattern, actuate and control soft materials, such as gels, polymers and liquid metals. A common theme of his research is the importance of thin films, interfacial phenomena and microfabrication.

Williams named Goodnight Distinguished University Professor

Laurie Williams was named the inaugural Goodnight Distinguished University Professor in Security Sciences at NC State. Williams, a professor in the Department of Computer Science, is the co-director of NC State’s Secure Computing Institute, director of the NSF-backed Secure Software Supply Chain Center located at NC State and co-director of the North Carolina Partnership for Cybersecurity Excellence funded by the National Security Agency.