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Y. Charles Lu Named Director of the College of Engineering Paducah Campus

June 09, 2022

Y. Charles Lu, the H.E. Katterjohn Professor in Engineering, has been named director of the University of Kentucky’s College of Engineering Paducah Campus effective July 1. Lu has taught at UK since 2006 and served as director of undergraduate studies since 2021.

“The Paducah Campus is not just about educating future engineers, but also conducting cutting-edge research, supervising graduate students and engaging in economic development and entrepreneurship,” said Lu. “Our vision is to grow the program by adding new academic disciplines and facilities, by increasing the numbers of students, faculty, and staff, and by partnering with local communities and industries to foster innovations and economic development.”

Lu received his Ph.D. in mechanical and materials engineering from the University of Western Ontario in 2000 and has three master’s degrees in mechanical engineering, materials engineering and mathematics.

His current research interests include composites and advanced materials, micromechanics and nanomechanics, and finite-element analysis and mechanical design.

Lu is the Associate Editor of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) International Journal of Materials and Manufacturing and the SAE International Journal of Aerospace. He is the author of ten edited books and over 160 technical papers in referred journals, book chapters and conference proceedings. He held the research scientist position at the Air Force Research Laboratories, Branch of Composites and Hybrid Materials during the summers of 2007–2010.

Lu received the prestigious Excellence in Engineering Education Award in 2018 and the Ralph R. Teetor Educational Award in 2010 from SAE International for his contributions to mobility-related research and education. He was inducted as a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in 2019.

For the last 25 years, the UK Paducah Campus has provided a unique opportunity for students in the region to earn engineering degrees. The program has graduated 500 engineers and many have stayed in the region. Faculty members and students have also developed sustainable engineering solutions that help people in countries around the world.

Lu succeeds Professor David Silverstein, who served as Director of the Paducah Campus since 2012.

 

The University of Kentucky offers bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and chemical engineering through its Paducah Engineering Extended Campus in collaboration with West Kentucky Community and Technical College.