Dr. Chinedum Okwudire

Professor

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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

#2025

Rexford E. Hall Innovation Excellence Award

#2024

SME Education Award

#2023

Robert M. Caddell Memorial Award Research

#2023

Fellow American Society Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

#2022

Miller Faculty Scholar Award

#2022

IEEE/ASME Conference Advanced Intelligent Mechatronics Paper Award

#2022

Recognized SME 25 Leaders Transforming Manufacturing

#2022

Integrative Systems Design (ISD) Distinguished Faculty Award

#2021

IEEE/ASME Transactions Mechatronics Transaction Paper Award Finalist

#2020

Distinguished International Visiting Scholar Award

#2020

Raymond J. Monica E. Schultz Outreach Diversity Award

#2019

Harold R. Johnson Diversity Service Award

#2018

Russell Severance Springer Visiting Professorship

#2017

ASME Conference Paper Mechatronics Award

#2017

Mechanical Engineering Department Achievement Award

#2016

Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award

#2016

Ralph Teetor Educational Award

#2016

Young Investigator Award

#2015

Oral Paper Award

#2014

Invited Participant

#2014

CAREER Award

Requirements for University of Michigan

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Total
Required:84
GRE General
Verbal
Required:155
Verbal Percentile
Required:50
Quantitative
Required:168
Quantitative Percentile
Required:50
Analytical Writing
Required:3.6
Writing Percentile
Required:50
Prerequisites
Bachelor degree in engineering, physics, or mathematics Calculus Physics
Application Checklist
  • Rackham Graduate School Application
  • Official Transcripts
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Personal Statement
  • CV/Resume
Specialization Notes

Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science