Drs. Vanderlei Bagnato, Rodney Bowersox and Don Lipkin from Texas A&M University’s College of Engineering have been elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) Class of 2025, joining 128 new members and 22 international members. This is one of the highest professional honors for engineers.
“Congratulations to Drs. Bagnato, Bowersox and Lipkin for achieving this recognition. This prestigious honor reflects their groundbreaking contributions to engineering and underscores the exceptional talent within our faculty,” said Dr. Robert H. Bishop, vice chancellor and dean of Texas A&M Engineering. “Their dedication to innovation, research and education continues to inspire the next generation of engineers. This level of excellence is what makes Texas A&M Engineering one of the top-ranked programs in the country.”
NAE membership recognizes significant contributions in engineering practice, research, education, pioneering new technologies, or leading major projects. Members are distinguished engineers from business, academia, and government. Founded in 1964, the NAE provides independent analysis and advice to the nation. Members are elected by their peers, with the final vote in January.
Dr. Vanderlei Bagnato
Bagnato, a professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering is elected as an international member for contributions to metrology, optical sensing, bioengineering, technology transfer, and engineering education. Bagnato is a member of the National Academy of Science and a Hagler Faculty Fellow, Class of 2018-19.
“Being at Texas A&M and having connections with Brazil puts me in a situation of broader responsibility, which is good, since we are looking to advance techniques for treating cancer and infectious diseases that do not respond to antibiotics, and this is relevant across borders; it is of global interest,” said Bagnato. “And we are all interested in improving the world with our science. Being elected to the NAE is a great honor for me. The great importance of this goes beyond the honor; it forces me to have even more responsibility with my students, with my institution and with the United States, which has been believing in my ideas, my science and development. I am very happy to be a member of the NAE and I thank all that indicated me for that.”
Dr. Rodney Bowersox
Bowersox, a professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering, is elected for leadership and contributions in hypersonic aerodynamics and aerothermodynamics through the development of experimental facilities and diagnostic techniques. He also serves as senior associate dean for research for the College of Engineering and the deputy director of the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station.
“This is truly a humbling honor, and I am intensely grateful to the NAE and my personal and professional families, without which this recognition would not have been possible,” said Bowersox. “I am also grateful for the financial support from the U.S. government and industry that has enabled our research. Finally, I’ve been very fortunate to be able to leverage the research and education ecosystem within aerospace engineering at Texas A&M University, which is carefully tuned to prepare our graduates to lead across many fronts.”
Dr. Don Lipkin
Lipkin, a professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, is elected for innovations of coatings and rhenium recovery that contributed to higher efficiency and sustainability of jet engines and gas turbines.
“I am deeply humbled by this recognition,” said Lipkin. “Everything of lasting value I’ve contributed through the years was enabled by my incredible collaborators. Joining the NAE is a special honor as so many of its members have inspired and mentored me throughout my career. I’m especially grateful for the support and friendship I’ve received from my A&M family. Couldn’t be prouder to say gig ‘em, engineers!”
Former Students
Two former students were also elected to the NAE. Dr. Hanspeter Schaub, distinguished professor in the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Colorado Boulder, was elected for contributions to the control of satellite formations and relative orientations utilizing natural forces, including the use of electrostatics. John Vassberg, chief design officer at JetZero, was elected for advancing aircraft capabilities and efficiency through inventions, developments, and applications of aerodynamic technologies, computational methods, and experimental validations. Both are members of the Distinguished Aerospace Engineering Alumni Academy of Texas A&M University.
NAE members are part of the broader National Academies structure, which also includes the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Medicine, and the National Research Council. The National Academies bring together the nation’s top engineers, scientists, health professionals, and other experts who volunteer their time to guide the development of federal laws and regulations, enhance government programs, shape research directions, and inform public knowledge and dialogue on critical issues.
The new class will be formally inducted at the NAE’s annual meeting on October 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C.
By Texas A&M Engineering
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