AUSTIN, Texas — Four professors from UT Austin, along with one alumna, have been elected to the prestigious National Academy of Engineering, or NAE, for 2018.

The membership honors those who have made outstanding contributions to engineering research and practice, including pioneering new and developing fields of technology and making major advancements in the field and profession.

Newest members:
• Chun Huh, retired research professor in the Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering
• Brian Korgel, professor in the McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering
• Jayadev Misra, professor emeritus in the Department of Computer Science
• Mukul Sharma, professor in the Hildebrand Department of Petroleum and Geosystems Engineering
• Hongming (Melissa) Chen, alumna of the McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering (B.S. 1992).

The UT Austin members are five of 83 new U.S. members and 16 foreign members to join the academy in 2018. Sharon L. Wood, dean of the Cockrell School of Engineering and NAE member, said that being recognized is further confirmation of the quality of the professors, students and alumni who make up the engineering community at UT.

Since 2013, 13 UT Austin professors have been elected as new members to the NAE, and the university has over 45 current and emeritus members, among the highest total membership of any U.S. institution. Election to the NAE is among the highest professional distinctions bestowed upon an engineer. Among this year’s most notable elected members is Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos.

More information: National Academy of Engineering website