Mechanical Engineering Faculty Recognized

Dr. Chad Ulven, Professor | Mechanical Engineering

Named University Distinguished Professor (UDP) & Waldron Excellence in Research Award

Chad Ulven, a Professor in the ME department, was named University Distinguished Professor (UDP) in the President’s State of the University address on September 25, 2025. “UDP is the highest academic honor given to a faculty member at North Dakota State University. This prestigious title recognizes individuals who exemplify the very best of NDSU’s mission as the state’s land-grant, R1 university, embodying a legacy of excellence that extends beyond their own disciplines and into the broader academic community.” Learn more about the professorship.

Chad also received the Waldron Excellence in Research Award during the NDSU Celebration of Excellence ceremony on September 9, 2025. “The Fred Waldron Research Award was established with the NDSU Development Foundation Board of Trustees to recognize outstanding faculty research. The ideal candidate for the award would be one who has made consistent and excellent contributions to research and scholarship in her/his discipline over time.” Learn more about the award.

Dr. Yechun Wang, Associate Professor | Mechanical Engineering

College of Engineering Excellence in Teaching Award

Yechun Wang, an Associate Professor in the ME department, is the recipient of the 2025 Excellence in Teaching Award from the College of Engineering (CoE), which recognizes outstanding teaching activities of CoE faculty by awarding the CoE Teacher of the Year.

Dr. Jessica Vold, Assistant Professor | Engineering Entrepreneurship and Innovation | Mechanical Engineering

Peltier Innovation in Teaching Award & Early Career Teaching Excellence Award

Jessica Void, an Assistant Professor with a focus on Engineering Entrepreneurship & Innovation in the ME department, was awarded the Peltier Innovation in Teaching Award during the NDSU Celebration of Excellence ceremony on September 9, 2025. “The Peltier Award for Teaching Innovation was established with the NDSU Development Foundation by Joseph and Norma Peltier to recognize outstanding innovation in teaching. The ideal candidate for the award would be an outstanding educator whose innovative teaching techniques have contributed to enhancing the educational experience of students at North Dakota State University.” Learn more about the award.

Jessica is also the recipient of the 2025 Early Career Teaching Excellence Award from the College of Engineering (CoE), which recognizes outstanding teaching activities of CoE faculty (8 or fewer years of experience as a faculty) by awarding the CoE Teacher of the Year.