
Each year, the College of Engineering honors individual members of its faculty for outstanding contributions to the College, University, and the profession through a series of awards. Three ME faculty members are 2025 recipients of awards for their work in research, development, and teaching.
Neil Dasgupta, associate professor of mechanical engineering and materials science and engineering, received the George J. Huebner, Jr. Research Excellence Award for demonstrated excellence in research and related scholarly activities. Dasgupta performs research at the intersection of materials, manufacturing, and clean energy conversion and storage.
Chinedum Okwudire, professor of mechanical engineering and integrative systems and design, received the Rexford E. Hall Innovation Excellence Award. This award recognizes faculty members who have developed a breakthrough technology or made significant innovation and demonstrated its transformational potential in engineering practice, the marketplace, or advancing societal good.
Okwudire was also one of 20 U-M faculty members to be named an “Innovation Champion” in a new program led by Innovation Partnerships. Champions were selected for their efforts to advance innovation within their departments. As an Innovation Champion, Okwudire will serve as a peer-level resource within ME for colleagues looking to expand the impact of their inventions.
Jeffrey Koller, LEO lecturer III of mechanical engineering, received the Thomas M. Sawyer, Jr. Teaching Award. This award recognizes non tenure-faculty who have demonstrated sustained excellence in instruction and guidance at the undergraduate levels.