Professor Dr. Chinedum Okwudire

Biography

Chinedum Okwudire is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Michigan, where he leads the Smart Sustainable Automation Research Lab. His research focuses on Manufacturing Automation, including key applications like additive manufacturing, nano-positioning, machining, distributed manufacturing, and smart manufacturing systems. Okwudire's work has received numerous accolades, including the 2025 Rexford E. Hall Innovation Excellence Award and the 2024 SME Education Award for significant contributions to manufacturing education. He was identified as one of the 25 leaders transforming manufacturing by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers in 2022. With a robust educational background, having obtained his PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of British Columbia in 2009, he has continuously contributed to the field through awards and his involvement in committees aimed at enhancing national defense and engineering education. Chinedum Okwudire's innovative research has been recognized for optimizing manufacturing processes and has broader societal impacts through outreach and educational initiatives that extend beyond academia.

Research Interests

Awards