Category: Faculty Highlights

Enzymes are nature’s tiny machines, responsible for everything from digesting food to breaking down environmental pollutants. But what if we could design custom-made enzymes to tackle real-world challenges—like neutralizing harmful chemicals or detecting diseases—more efficiently than ever before? Jing Pan Ph. D., a faculty member in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the […]

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 […]

Dr. Jie Fu (PI) has been awarded $1.3 million in funding from the DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory for the project titled “Strategic Planning in Hierarchical Games: Achieving Rapid Dominance in the Uncertain World of Conflict (Shadow),” under Cooperative Agreement #W911NF-25-2-0045. Distinguished Professor Warren Dixon, chair of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University […]

The UF Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering gathered at the Wayne J. Reitz Union’s Rion Ballroom for a vibrant evening of celebration, honoring the outstanding achievements of its faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Dr. Warren Dixon warmly welcomed the crowd as guests enjoyed dinner, lively conversation, and a shared sense of pride in the […]

James A. Trainham James A. Trainham, Professor and Associate Chair for Industry Relations at the University of Florida’s Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, has retired after an illustrious career that seamlessly bridged academia and industry. His tenure at the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (MAE) has been marked by significant contributions to advancing renewable […]

Douglas Spearot, Ph.D., Newton C. Ebaugh Professor, has been recognized by The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS), the largest professional society for materials science and engineering. TMS has more than 10,000 members worldwide, and only nine professionals were selected this year for the Brimacombe Medal. The Brimacombe Medal is a mid-career award that recognizes […]

A new experiment that launched to the International Space Station (ISS) on November 4th, 2024, and returned on December 17th, 2024, explored how microbes can help produce useful materials like medicines and plastics in space. The experiment was part of a larger project to see how microbes perform in the low-gravity environment, and to determine […]

Enhancing Heat Dissipation in Mobility Technologies As electric vehicles and other advanced mobility technologies continue to evolve, one of the biggest challenges remains efficient heat dissipation. Youngsup Song, Ph.D., a researcher in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Florida, is working on innovative thermal interface materials to address this issue. […]

Gator Engineers are Bringing Home Gold In the vibrant spirit of the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Florida is basking in the glory of its own golden achievements. Just as Olympic athletes strive for the pinnacle of excellence, our esteemed faculty members are setting unparalleled standards […]

In the dynamic landscape of mechanical engineering, Professor Jingjing Shi stands out as a visionary dedicated to advancing energy transport and conversion. Her specialized focus on thermal management within semiconductor systems is not only revolutionizing electronic device performance but also contributing significantly to a sustainable and technologically advanced society. Professor Shi’s journey into mechanical engineering […]

You may not expect it, but among the rocky hills and cerulean beaches of Southern Spain lies some of the best solar technology in the world. Thanks to Jonathan Scheffe, Ph.D., a Mechanical Engineering Professor at the University of Florida, students have the opportunity to experience the beauty of Southern Spain, as well as its […]

Dr. Matthew Traum, Senior Lecturer and Instructional Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering has been named one of the 11 awardees of this year’s J. Christopher Stevens Virtual Exchange Initiative Award for his Hands-on Energy and Thermo-fluids (HEAT) Program. This year, this extremely competitive grant program supports Virtual Exchanges between students […]

Take part in history on Thursday, Aug. 29, as the University of Florida’s own Rob Ferl, Ph.D., becomes the first NASA-funded academic to conduct an experiment in space as part of the Blue Origin New Shepard mission.

Professor John Schueller of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering has been honored with the prestigious Cyrus Hall McCormick – Jerome Increase Case Gold Medal by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. This esteemed award is presented annually to recognize exceptional and meritorious engineering achievements that have significantly advanced agriculture. Schueller’s groundbreaking […]

In the vibrant spirit of the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Florida is basking in the glory of its own golden achievements. Just as Olympic athletes strive for the pinnacle of excellence, our esteemed faculty members are setting unparalleled standards in research, innovation, and mentorship. As […]