SME Picks 2024 College of Fellows

SME has shared its 2024 College of Fellows. 

Since 1986, the SME College of Fellows has honored those members who have made notable contributions to the social, technological, and educational aspects of the manufacturing profession. These nine industry professionals have earned this prestigious honor through 20 years or more of dedication and service to manufacturing. 

“Manufacturing as an industry is stronger and more successful through the efforts of this year’s College of Fellows,” says Robert “Bob” Willig, SME executive director and CEO. “It is an honor for us at SME to recognize these individuals for their dedication and service, and for truly making a positive impact on North America’s thriving ecosystem.” 

The members of the 2024 College of Fellows will be recognized at a variety of events during 2024, including the NAMRI/SME Awards Luncheon during NAMRC 52 and the SME Fall Gala in October. 

SME’s 2024 College of Fellows  

• Eric Barnes, FSME, Corporate Fellow for Advanced Manufacturing and Technology, Northrop Grumman 
• Qing (Cindy) Chang, Ph.D., FSME, Professor, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Virginia 
• Ryan Dehoff, Ph.D., FSME, Director, Manufacturing Demonstration Facility, Oak Ridge National Laboratory 
• Gregory A. Harris, Ph.D., P.E., FSME, Forehand Distinguished Professor and Department Chair of Industrial & Systems Engineering, Auburn University 
• Xiaochun Li, Ph.D., FSME, Raytheon Endowed Chair in Manufacturing in departments of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles 
• Ajay “A.J.” P. Malshe, Ph.D., FSME, Goodson Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University 
• Brigid Mullany, Ph.D., FSME, Associate Dean for Research and Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte 
• Ram D. Sriram, Ph.D., FSME, Chief of Software and Systems Division, Information Technology Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology 
• Ryan Wicker, Ph.D., P.E., FSME, FNAI, Murchison Chair professor and director of W.M. Keck Center for 3D Innovation, University of Texas at El Paso 

Recipients are vetted through the SME International Awards & Recognition Committee and receive lifetime, dues-free membership and carry the designation “FSME” (Fellow of SME) after their names.

SME is accepting nominations for the 2025 SME College of Fellows through December 1. Previous winners, award information and nomination criteria can be found at sme.org/fellows. 

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.