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Drs. Vanderlei Bagnato, Rodney Bowersox, and Don Lipkin from the College of Engineering at Texas A&M University have been appointed to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) Class of 2025, becoming part of an elite group of 128 new members and 22 international members. This accolade represents one of the most esteemed recognitions for professionals in engineering.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Drs. Bagnato, Bowersox, and Lipkin for receiving this honor. This esteemed recognition highlights their innovative contributions to the field of engineering and emphasizes the remarkable skills present within our faculty,” stated Dr. Robert H. Bishop, vice chancellor and dean of Texas A&M Engineering. “Their commitment to innovation, research, and education serves as an inspiration for upcoming engineers. This standard of excellence is what positions Texas A&M Engineering among the premier programs in the nation.”
Membership in the NAE acknowledges significant achievements in engineering practice, research, education, the development of advanced technologies, or spearheading major initiatives. Members are recognized engineers from industry, academia, and governmental sectors. Established in 1964, the NAE offers independent assessments and recommendations for the country. Members are selected by their peers, with the ultimate decision made in January.
Dr. Vanderlei Bagnato
Bagnato, a faculty member in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, has been recognized as an international member for his work in metrology, optical sensing, bioengineering, technology transfer, and engineering education. Bagnato is also a member of the National Academy of Science and a Hagler Faculty Fellow from the Class of 2018-19.
“My position at Texas A&M and my connections with Brazil place me in a position of broader accountability, which is beneficial, as we strive to improve methods for treating cancer and infectious diseases resistant to antibiotics. This holds significance across borders; it is of global importance,” remarked Bagnato. “Our aim is to enhance the world through our scientific endeavors. Being inducted into the NAE is a tremendous honor for me. This responsibility transcends the recognition; it compels me to uphold even greater accountability to my students, my institution, and to the United States, which has shown faith in my concepts, my research, and my development. I am overjoyed to be inducted into the NAE and grateful to those who endorsed my nomination.”
Dr. Rodney Bowersox
Bowersox, a professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering, has been elected for his leadership and contributions in hypersonic aerodynamics and aerothermodynamics through the establishment of experimental facilities and diagnostic methods. Additionally, he is the senior associate dean for research within the College of Engineering and the deputy director of the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station.
“This is genuinely a humbling honor, and I am sincerely thankful to the NAE and my personal and professional networks, without which this recognition would not be attainable,” stated Bowersox. “I am also appreciative of the financial backing from the U.S. government and industry, which has facilitated our research. Lastly, I consider myself very fortunate to benefit from the research and educational framework within aerospace engineering at Texas A&M University, which is thoroughly designed to equip our graduates to excel in various areas.”
Dr. Don Lipkin
Lipkin, a professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, has been recognized for his innovations in coatings and rhenium recovery that have enhanced the efficiency and sustainability of jet engines and gas turbines.
“I am profoundly humbled by this acknowledgment,” proclaimed Lipkin. “All enduring value I’ve contributed throughout the years has been made possible by my extraordinary collaborators. Joining the NAE is a unique honor, as so many of its members have inspired and mentored me along my journey. I am particularly thankful for the support and camaraderie I’ve received from my A&M family. I couldn’t be prouder to cheer, gig ‘em, engineers!”
Former Students
Two alumni also gained membership in the NAE. Dr. Hanspeter Schaub, a distinguished professor in the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Colorado Boulder, was elected for his contributions to controlling satellite formations and relative orientations using natural forces, including electrostatics. John Vassberg, chief design officer at JetZero, was recognized for enhancing aircraft capabilities and efficiency through innovations, advancements, and practical applications of aerodynamic technologies, computational strategies, and experimental validations. Both are members of the Distinguished Aerospace Engineering Alumni Academy of Texas A&M University.
The members of the NAE are part of the larger framework of National Academies, which also includes the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Medicine, and the National Research Council. The National Academies unite the nation’s leading engineers, scientists, health experts, and various specialists who contribute their time to develop federal laws and regulations, improve government initiatives, influence research trajectories, and inform public awareness and discussions on significant issues.
The new members will be officially inducted at the NAE’s annual meeting on October 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
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