Five from the College of Engineering have received among the highest honors presented to faculty members at Michigan State University. The awards recognize outstanding faculty members for research that enhances MSU’s intellectual prominence nationally and globally.
- Jeffrey Nanzer was named an MSU Research Foundation Distinguished Professor. Nanzer is a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. His pioneering work in microwave and millimeter-wave systems, radar, and advanced wireless communication is fundamentally changing modern wireless communication, enabling groundbreaking advances in defense, security, precision agriculture and human-machine interaction.
Four were named to Red Cedar Distinguished Professorships:
- Tamara Bush, associate dean for Inclusive Excellence and a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering,
- Bora Cetin, a professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering,
- Jinxing Li, an assistant professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, and
- Sijia Liu, an associate professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering.
Bush’s groundbreaking leadership in translating fundamental tissue biomechanics to practical applications in rehabilitation engineering has profoundly impacted patient outcomes. Her unwavering commitment to inclusive design and engineering for persons with disabilities and her role as a tireless advocate helps ensure access and excellence in the College of Engineering and in the broader STEM community.
Cetin was recognized for exceptional contributions to sustainable geotechnical engineering, specifically his pioneering work in using recycled materials and industrial byproducts to create durable and environmentally friendly infrastructure. His innovative research has significantly advanced methods for improving pavement longevity and remediating contaminated soils, directly addressing critical challenges in infrastructure sustainability.
Li’s expansive and highly original research program at the frontiers of microrobotics, bioelectronics, and living materials has drawn national and international acclaim in the research community and with policymakers. His work exemplifies the spirit of collaborative, cross-disciplinary efforts to build bridges across diverse fields and establish cutting-edge infrastructure.
Liu’s research centers on scalable and trustworthy AI, advancing both foundational principles and use-inspired applications. His notable contributions span machine unlearning for AI safety, scalable optimization for deep networks, adversarial robustness, and data-model efficiency. His work provides a solid foundation for his long-term research objective of making AI systems safe and scalable.
The academic recognitions were effective Oct. 1 and Dec. 1, 2025, and announced by the MSU Office of Research and Innovation.
MSU College of Engineering Media and Public Relations page