As we welcome summer, I’m proud to reflect on another extraordinary season at MAE. This edition of our newsletter showcases the incredible breadth and depth of work happening across our department—from space biomanufacturing and award-winning research to student-driven innovation and alumni distinction. Each story speaks to the excellence that defines us.
Our faculty continue to lead at the frontiers of science and sustainability. Dr. Amor Menezes and his collaborators are pushing the boundaries of space exploration through a NASA-supported study on biomanufacturing, investigating how engineered microbes could one day produce essential resources like medicine and materials in orbit. This visionary work offers a glimpse into a future where MAE research plays a critical role in sustaining long-term human presence in space.
Closer to home, our faculty are driving innovation across vital industries. Dr. Douglas Spearot was honored with the prestigious Brimacombe Medal from The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society, recognizing his pioneering contributions to materials science and computational mechanics. At the same time, Dr. Jingjing Shi is advancing thermal management solutions for electric vehicles and electronics, developing technologies that improve performance, durability, and energy efficiency. Together, these two are shaping a more sustainable and technologically advanced future.
Our students continue to turn ideas into action, both inside and outside of the classroom. A mechanical engineering capstone project recently spun off into a startup—Moochanics LLC, which applies engineering principles to real-world problems in livestock monitoring. This is a perfect example of how our educational mission fuels entrepreneurship and impact beyond the classroom. Additionally, two of our students were honored with the Attributes of a Gator Engineer Award, celebrating their integrity, leadership, service, and creativity—qualities that define the essence of Gator Engineering. These achievements reflect the high caliber of talent and character that our students bring to the Gator community.
We’re also proud to recognize the outstanding efforts of our staff, whose dedication is unmatched. This year, an outstanding seven staff members were honored through the UF Superior Accomplishment Awards, a reflection of the exceptional work happening behind the scenes every day. From academic advising and administrative support to technical services and departmental support, their commitment ensures that our students, faculty, and programs continue to thrive. Their recognition at the university level is well deserved, and a reminder that excellence is truly a team effort.
Lastly, a standout moment of our year was the 2025 Annual Awards Celebration, where we celebrated excellence within the department and inducted six exceptional individuals into the Academy of Distinguished Alumni. This year’s honorees—Carlos Fernandez, Benjamin Griffin, Baron Johnson, Brandon Krick, Oscar Martinez, and Tom Singer—represent the very best of Gator Engineering. Their leadership spans industries from aerospace to energy to academia, and their impact is felt around the world. We were proud to present each of them with their iconic blue jacket—a tradition that recognizes not just career achievement, but an enduring connection to the MAE family.
As always, I am grateful to our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and partners for making our community a place where ideas thrive, and where ambition leads to meaningful progress. Thank you for being part of our journey.
Warren Dixon, PhD
Distinguished Professor
Dean’s Leadership Professor and Department Chair
Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
University of Florida