Two mechanical engineering faculty members from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa College of Engineering have been recognized with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Rising Star of Mechanical Engineering Award.
Assistant Professor Tyler Ray and Associate Professor Woochul Lee were honored for their achievements and contributions to the field of mechanical engineering. The award recognizes early-career researchers who have received national research recognition through awards by organizations such as the National Science Foundation (NSF). Both professors were awarded NSF CAREER awards in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
The ASME Rising Star designation highlights the professors’ innovative research and work to inspire the next generation of engineers. Both Ray and Lee have demonstrated exceptional research capabilities that push the boundaries of mechanical engineering across different specialized domains.
Ray: advanced diagnostic technologies
Ray’s research focuses on the design and fabrication of multifunctional nanocomposite materials (tiny, smart materials with multiple capabilities), with a particular emphasis on bio-integrated sensing platforms. His work centers on developing advanced diagnostic technologies, including skin-integrated devices for sweat analysis and clinical monitoring.
Related UH News stories:
- New UH manufacturing technique makes wearable health sensors more affordable, September 26, 2024
- 3D-printed sweat sensor one of world’s top healthcare innovations in 2023, October 5, 2023
- Breakthrough for sweat: health monitoring device from UH researchers, May 3, 2023
Lee: energy conversion, storage innovations
Lee’s research explores thermal and charge transport properties of nanoscale materials, with critical implications for sustainable energy technologies. By investigating physical properties at the nanoscale, his work provides valuable insights into energy conversion and storage innovations.
Related UH News stories:
- Date-rape drug detector ring, other cutting-edge projects at new innovation program, September 10, 2023
- $641K grant to boost Native Hawaiians in engineering, May 4, 2021
“It’s really exciting to see these kinds of national recognition for our faculty in the kinds of work they are doing both in the classroom and in our research labs,” College of Engineering Dean Brennon Morioka said. “It speaks volumes about the amazing faculty we have in Hawaiʻi, who are preparing our young engineers for careers right here at home. Further, it sends a strong message to our local families that UH is a world-class institution for innovation, technology and engineering that will best prepare our local youth for Hawaiʻi’s workforce.”
The award underscores UH Mānoa’s growing reputation as a hub for cutting-edge engineering research and its commitment to supporting exceptional early-career faculty.
