Elizabeth Holm and Nicholas Kotov, esteemed faculty members at the College of Engineering, have been elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), one of the most prestigious honors for engineers in the U.S. They join a distinguished group of 128 new members and 22 international inductees in the NAE’s 2025 class. This recognition highlights their significant contributions to engineering and their influential impact on future generations.
Karen Thole, the Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering, commended Holm and Kotov for their leadership and problem-solving influence in the engineering sector. Holm, a prominent professor and chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, is recognized for her pioneering work with computer simulations to improve microstructures in materials. Her contributions at Sandia National Laboratories led to the approval of a lead-free solder, marking the first time computational data was used for material approval.
Holm’s innovations continue with machine-learning tools that aid in material design and quality assessment. Her lab’s computational tools have significantly advanced data efficiency in materials research. Reflecting on her NAE election, Holm expressed deep gratitude and acknowledged the collaborative nature of scientific progress.
Kotov, a distinguished professor in chemical sciences and engineering, developed groundbreaking methods for self-assembling nanoparticles into composite structures that mimic biological materials. His work has resulted in Kevlar-based nanofiber structures ideal for advanced battery technologies and potential applications in heat-resistant LCD screens. Kotov’s startup, Valerion Energy, is exploring these innovative battery solutions.
Additionally, Kotov’s chiral nanostructures are advancing applications in medical diagnostics and pharmaceutical production. Expressing his commitment to further innovation, Kotov emphasized his desire to expand the impact of his research.
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