A look back at 2019

From spacewalks and record-breaking giving to innovative research – the College of Engineering has had a memorable 2019. Take a look back at some of these amazing moments.

Live from the International Space Station

Electrical engineering alumna and NASA astronaut Christina Koch blasted into space for her first mission at the International Space Station in March. On Aug. 30, Koch answered questions from students in a live video downlink in Talley Student Union. Additionally, Koch made history on Oct. 18 as she conducted the first all-female spacewalk with fellow astronaut Jessica Meir.

#GivingPack

During NC State’s inaugural Day of Giving on March 27, NC State Engineering students, faculty members, alumni and friends raised $1,972,851 through 1,564 gifts. These funds help support scholarships, professorships and programs in the College.

Major impact

The College has increased the number of women faculty members over the last decade and promoted them to leadership positions in departments and centers.

Future of biomanufacturing

A new 5-year project led by NC State University will sponsor an international collaborative research and training program in biomanufacturing science and technology.

Improving asthma care

Researchers within the College are working to improve wearable health-monitoring devices to help asthma patients better manage their symptoms.

5G Network

With funding by a $24 million federal grant, the College will lead research aimed at creating a more flexible and adaptable 5G network with the use of autonomous drones and mobility systems.

Grid resilience tools

Researchers in the FREEDM Systems Center led by NC State have received a $3.1-million research award from the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) to advance solar energy’s role in strengthening the resilience of the U.S. electricity grid.

Metal foam for airplane wings

Research from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) shows that a combination of steel composite metal foam (CMF) and epoxy resin has more desirable characteristics for use as a leading-edge material than the aluminum currently in widespread use.

Faculty Highlights

• Dr. Hsaio-Ying Shadow Huang, associate professor in MAE, was named a recipient of the 2019 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers.
• Dr. Carol Hall, Camille Dreyfus Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE), was elected as a Fellow of the American Association for Advancement of Science (AAAS), the world’s largest scientific society and publisher of journal science.
• UNC/NC State Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering’s (BME) Dr. Nancy Allbritton and Dr. Frances Ligler made The Analytical Scientist’s Top 100 list of analytical scientists.
• Dr. Carlos Pignataro, adjunct lecturer in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Dr. Koji Sode, William R. Kenan Jr. Professor in BME, were named Fellows of the National Academy of Inventors.
• Seven faculty members were named recipients of National Science Foundation CAREER Award, bringing the total for the College to 41 in the last nine years. These faculty members are: Drs. Milad Abolhasani, Ashley Brown, Matthew Bryant, Michael Daniele,  Xiaogang Hu, Chris Martens and Qingshan Wei.
• Dr. Lisa Bullard, Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor and director of undergraduate studies in CBE, was named to the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Academy of Fellows.