Malshe joined Purdue University in January 2020. He has gained a national and international reputation in academia, entrepreneurship and industries for advanced manufacturing, bio-inspired designing, functional multi-materials, and system integration and productization. Over the decades, application areas of his interest and contributions have included heterogeneous microelectronics for high-density systems; nanomanufacturing for extreme machines; in-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing (ISAM) at the point of need; and biomanufacturing for future foods and farms for equity.

He is co-directing a new initiative, the eXcellence in Manufacturing and Operations Purdue Engineering Initiative (XMO PEI), positioned to strengthen the U.S. advanced manufacturing industry’s adaptability for the 21st century across multiple sectors, such as semiconductors, aerospace, defense, biomanufacturing for agriculture, and transportation. XMO recently held its first Purdue manufacturing summit in Washington, DC. Purdue is also establishing a state-of-the-art manufacturing research facility called the Manufacturing and Materials Research Laboratories (MMRL); Malshe serves as the MMRL's first director.

He has published 225+ peer-reviewed articles, delivered 100+ keynote talks worldwide, received 25+ patents (US and foreign) for breakthroughs in materials and manufacturing, and 40+ awards. He has trained 60+ graduate students, 1250+ undergraduate students, and mentored professional engineers in the industry. He recently was named a fellow of American Association for the Advancement of Sciences (AAAS). He has also worked extensively with high school students and teachers to advance student learning success. Many of his students now lead at corporations such as Apple, Caterpillar, Google, Tesla, Texas Instruments, Lockheed Martin, Schlumberger, Walmart, and more, as well as in the academic world.

"Your scholarly excellence and immense impact in advancing science, engineering, and entrepreneurship in bio-inspired designs makes the world a better place," said Purdue President Mung Chiang. "I hope this designation here at Purdue casts another bright light on your accomplishments and demonstrates the University's commitment to you and the great work you are doing."

"Purdue is perfectly poised to become a leader in advanced manufacturing, and Ajay is a big part of that," said Arvind Raman, John A. Edwardson Dean of the College of Engineering, and Robert V. Adams Professor in Mechanical Engineering. "He works with many interdisciplinary teams, both here in the College of Engineering and with outside industry and government organizations."

"He's been a great addition to our faculty," said Eckhard Groll, William E. and Florence E. Perry Head of Mechanical Engineering, and Reilly Professor of Mechanical Engineering. "He has a clear vision of what the future holds in convergent manufacturing, and how we can get there. He also has a keen interest in diversity, equity, and inclusion. I congratulate him on this honor."

Source: Ajay Malshe, amalshe@purdue.edu