Award winners to be recognized at events throughout 2026

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., May 15, 2026— Recognizing the leaders whose contributions continue to shape the future of manufacturing, SME today announced its 2026 College of Fellows. 

Since 1986, the SME College of Fellows has honored those members who have made outstanding contributions to the social, technological, and educational aspects of manufacturing and engineering. By elevating these leaders, SME reinforces its commitment to ensuring critical knowledge, innovation and best practices are shared across the industry—strengthening manufacturing through continued advancements in technology, leadership and workforce development. The 2026 group includes eight industry professionals who have each dedicated 20 years or more to advancing the industry and earning this highly prestigious honor.

“The 2026 College of Fellows reflects the depth of expertise, leadership, and service that drives our industry forward,” said Jeannine Kunz, SME executive director and CEO. “These individuals are not only advancing manufacturing and engineering through their work, but also helping to transfer knowledge, mentor talent and strengthen the broader ecosystem. Their contributions play a vital role in ensuring the industry remains innovative, competitive, and prepared for what’s next.”

The members of the 2026 College of Fellows will be recognized at a variety of events during 2026, including the NAMRI/SME Awards Luncheon during NAMRC 53 and the SME Fall Gala in October.

SME’s 2026 College of Fellows 

• Cheryl Xu, PhD, FSME, Professor, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC
• Dale Lombardo, FSME, Special Processes Leader, GE Aerospace, Clifton Park, NY
• Melissa Orme, PhD, FSME, Vice President of Materials & Structures, The Boeing Company, El Segundo, CA
• Radu Pavel, PhD, FSME, Director of Industrial Innovation, ARCTOS Technology Solutions, LLC, Beavercreek, OH
• Rebecca R. Taylor, FSME, Chief Business and Public Affairs Officer, The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences, Washington D.C.
• Shaochen Chen, PhD, FSME, Zable Endowed Chair Professor, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
• Soundar Kumara, PhD, FSME, Allen E. and Allen M. Pearce Professor, Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA
• Stephan Biller, PhD, FSME, Harold T. Armine Distinguished Professor of Industrial Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

Recipients are vetted through the SME International Awards & Recognition Committee of industry leaders carry the designation “FSME” (Fellow of SME) after their names.

SME is accepting nominations for the 2027 SME College of Fellows through Dec. 1. Previous winners, award information and nomination criteria can be found at sme.org/fellows.

About SME

Established in 1932 as a nonprofit organization, SME represents the manufacturing industry, including manufacturers, academia, professionals, students, and the communities in which they operate. We believe manufacturing holds the key to economic growth and prosperity, and champion the industry's potential as a diverse, thriving, and valued ecosystem. SME accelerates new technology adoption and builds talent and capabilities to advance manufacturing and drive competitiveness, resiliency, and national security. SME designs new ways to understand and solve problems, and our solutions advance the next wave of growth in manufacturing. Learn more at SME.org.