In recognition of groundbreaking contributions to their disciplines, two faculty members from Texas A&M University's College of Engineering have been named University Distinguished Professors, among only eight faculty honored with this prestigious title.
The recipients from Texas A&M Engineering are Dr. Ali Erdemir, Halliburton Chair and professor in the J. Mike Walker ’66 Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Dr. Elaine Oran, O’Donnell Foundation Chair and professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering.
The designation of University Distinguished Professor is reserved for individuals who stand at the forefront of their respective disciplines, having demonstrated exceptional expertise, made at least one transformational contribution, or provided an intellectually substantial "leap forward" in their discipline.
These distinguished professors have been lauded for their exceptional achievements in diverse realms, spanning discoveries in surface engineering to complex reactive flow problems.
"Congratulations to Drs. Ali Erdemir and Elaine Oran on this well-deserved honor as University Distinguished Professors. Their pioneering research and transformative contributions exemplify the spirit of innovation and excellence that define our college," said Dr. Robert H. Bishop, vice chancellor and dean of Texas A&M Engineering. "We take pride in their achievements, which elevate their respective fields and inspire the next generation of engineers to push the boundaries of discovery."
Dr. Ali Erdemir
Dr. Ali Erdemir is known globally as an expert in tribology and has dedicated over 35 years to advancing the industry.
Throughout his career, Erdemir has made significant contributions to tribology and surface engineering, most notably with his discovery of near-frictionless carbon films, boron-based solid lubricants and superlubricious graphene films. His research has driven advancements in energy conservation and environmental sustainability in mechanical systems.
He remains a dedicated leader in tribology, having served as president of both the International Tribology Council (2017-2020) and the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (2016-2017). With 37 U.S. patents and over 250 journal articles, his extensive contributions underscore a highly influential career.
"I am deeply honored and humbled by this recognition and inclusion among such a distinguished group of Texas A&M professors. I extend my sincere gratitude to my past and present colleagues, the leadership within the College of Engineering and mechanical engineering department, and my many mentors, whose unwavering support has been instrumental in my success," Erdemir said. "Above all, I am profoundly grateful to my students, whose dedication and innovative thinking continually inspire me. This honor propels my commitment to pursue excellence in scholarship and service and to represent Texas A&M University with distinction at the highest levels of my profession and for the betterment of society."
He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, the European Academy of Sciences and Arts, the World Academy of Ceramics and The Science Academy — Turkey, a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, the European Academy of Sciences and an honorary member of the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers awarded him an honorary membership in 2023, a distinction recognizing a lifetime of service to engineering.Dr. Elaine Oran
Dr. Elaine Oran pioneered computational technology to solve complex reactive flow problems, unifying concepts from science, mathematics, engineering and computer science in a new methodology. Her techniques for numerical simulation of fluid flows have improved understanding of a diverse range of phenomena, from the tightly grouped movements of fish in the Earth's oceans to the explosions of far-flung supernovae in space. Her work has contributed significantly to the advancement of the engineering profession.
"It is truly an honor for me to be selected as a University Distinguished Professor. It reflects the mutual appreciation that Texas A&M and I have for each other," Oran said. "I would particularly like to thank the chancellor of The Texas A&M University System and the governor of Texas for the support that gave me the incentive and opportunity to come to Texas. I also thank my family and many colleagues for the support and friendship they have given me through the years."
Oran's research interests include computational physics and astrophysics, explosions, propulsion, and turbulence. She is known for her work in the field of reactive flow, particularly in high-speed chemical and nuclear flows. Because of her work in these areas, she has received numerous awards, including the Fluid Dynamics Prize from the American Physical Society, the Zel'dovich Gold Medal of the Combustion Institute, the Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished Senior Professionals from the United States government and an Achievement Award from the Society of Women Engineers.
Oran is a Royal Academy of Engineering Fellow, Honorary Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and a National Academy of Engineering and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences member. She is also a Fellow of the American Physical Society, the Combustion Institute, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. She holds several honorary doctorates from universities in the UK and France.