SME drives technology adoption and workforce development to strengthen manufacturing and national security.
SOUTHFIELD, MI, Feb 3, 2025 – SME has recognized the recipients of the 2024 Distinguished Faculty Advisor Award. These individuals have demonstrated outstanding dedication to mentoring students and advancing the manufacturing industry through education and research.
Rustin Webster, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Purdue Polytechnic Institute, Purdue University
Dr. Rustin Webster is an associate professor at the Purdue Polytechnic Institute at Purdue University, specializing in mechanical engineering and computer graphics technology. Before transitioning to academia, he worked as a mechanical engineer, product development lead, and researcher for an aerospace and engineering company, designing solutions for various branches of the Armed Forces, the Department of Defense, and NASA.
Webster holds a Bachelor of Science in engineering graphics and design and a Master of Science in management of technology from Murray State University. He earned a doctorate in interdisciplinary engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He is a certified GD&T technologist, SOLIDWORKS expert, and Six Sigma Green Belt. His accolades include the ASEE Engineering Technology National Teaching Award, the Purdue Teaching Academy Fellowship, and the SME Distinguished Faculty Advisor Award, which he has received three times.
P.S. Dhanasekaran, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering Technology, SUNY Canton
Dr. P.S. Dhanasekaran holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering from Wichita State University. As an associate professor at SUNY Canton, he teaches courses in CAD/CAM, finite element analysis, machine design, and materials selection.
Dhanasekaran has 27 years of industry experience in designing, researching, and manufacturing electromechanical systems, including antennas and gearboxes for communications, disaster management, and telemedicine applications. He has advised senior capstone projects for over five years and has published research papers for ASEE, SAMPE, ASME, and SME. He serves as the faculty advisor for SME Student Chapter S396, which has achieved gold status.
Hantang Qin, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Wisconsin–Madison
Dr. Hantang Qin is an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He previously taught at Iowa State University and earned his doctorate in industrial engineering from North Carolina State University in 2016.
Qin’s expertise includes in-space manufacturing, electrohydrodynamics, micro/nano 3D printing, and flexible electronics manufacturing. He holds multiple U.S. patents and has authored more than 40 journal articles. His work has been recognized with the SME Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award and the IISE Manufacturing and Design Division Outstanding Young Investigator Award.
Vishwas N. Bedekar, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Engineering Technology, Middle Tennessee State University
Dr. Vishwas N. Bedekar joined Middle Tennessee State University in 2013 as an assistant professor and was promoted to associate professor in 2019. He currently serves as the mechanical engineering technology program coordinator. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in mechanical engineering from the University of Mumbai, a Master of Science in mechanical engineering, and a doctorate in materials science and engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Bedekar’s research focuses on energy-harvesting materials and manufacturing processes. He has authored more than 30 publications, holds a U.S. patent, and has been recognized with the MTSU Outstanding Teaching Award. He serves as the faculty advisor for SME Student Chapter S239 and has mentored award-winning robotics teams.
Sharan Chandran, Ph.D.
Senior Assistant Professor, Department of Design and Automation, Vellore Institute of Technology
Dr. Sharan Chandran is a senior assistant professor at Vellore Institute of Technology, specializing in composite materials, additive manufacturing, and sustainability in material development. His research focuses on sustainable composite applications in automotive, aerospace, and biomedical engineering.
Chandran has authored research papers and the book Self-Reinforced Polymer Composites. He mentors undergraduate and graduate students and is an active SME and Indian Science Congress member.
Kapil Gangwar, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Wentworth Institute of Technology
Dr. Kapil Gangwar is an assistant professor at Wentworth Institute of Technology, where he teaches manufacturing processes and mechanical engineering courses. His research includes advanced manufacturing techniques such as friction stir welding, electron beam additive manufacturing, and direct energy deposition.
Gangwar holds a bachelor’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, a master’s from Pohang University of Science and Technology, and a doctorate from the University of Washington. He has worked on projects in materials science, biomedical implants, and aerospace applications.
Edna Orozco-Leonhardt
Faculty Member, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edna Orozco-Leonhardt is the longest-serving female faculty member in the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s engineering department. She has played a key role in accreditation efforts and curriculum development.
Orozco-Leonhardt actively promotes STEM education through initiatives such as Girl Day in Engineering and SME Chapter 297 outreach programs. She also chairs the UTRGV Women Faculty Network and serves as chair-elect of the undergraduate curriculum committee.
Kamyar Khashayar, M.S.M.E.
Professor, East Los Angeles College
Professor Kamy Khashayar teaches engineering and manufacturing at East Los Angeles College. He has extensive experience in automotive manufacturing, product engineering, and production management.
Khashayar has developed associate degree programs in advanced manufacturing and engineering technology and serves as a faculty advisor to SME Platinum Student Chapter S379. He has been an SME member since 1999 and serves on the board of SME Platinum Chapter 233.
For more information, visit sme.org.
