Dr. Stephen Lu

Professor

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Biography

Professor Stephen Lu holds the David Packard Chair in Manufacturing at the University of Southern California. He is recognized for his contributions to education and research in the fields of design thinking, collaborative engineering, and technological innovation. Lu has played a pivotal role in developing the Product Development Engineering master's degree and the Viterbi iPodia global education program, promoting a 'classrooms-without-borders' approach. He has authored over 300 technical publications and delivered numerous keynote speeches at international conferences. His editorial contributions include chief editor roles for high-quality journals, notably the International Journal of Collaborative Engineering. He has served as a visiting professor at prestigious institutions such as MIT and the Technical University of Berlin. Lu is also a distinguished Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the International Academy of Production Engineering. His expertise includes system design thinking, global innovation, and complexity in technical systems. Throughout his career, he has earned numerous awards and recognition for his technical contributions and has held various esteemed advisory roles across multiple universities and international organizations.

Research Interests

Awards

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ASME Fellow

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Senior Advisor to the President

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1000 Talent Initiative

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Founding Dean

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University Distinguished Professor

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Advisory Professor

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Elected Full Fellow

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YangTze Distinguished Scholarship Award

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International Technology Contribution Award

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Technical Achievements Award

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Honorary Professor

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Honorary Professor

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Honorary Professor

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Distinguished Civilian Service Award

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David Packard Chair in Manufacturing Engineering

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Honorary Professor

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Humboldt Award Senior U.S. Scientist

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Fulbright Scholarship (Senior Research Professor Category)

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Certificate of Appreciation

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Senior Xerox Award Faculty Research

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University Scholar Award

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Award of Appreciation

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Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award

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Presidential Young Investigator Award

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Young Engineering Educator Award

Requirements for University of Southern California

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:20
Reading
Required:20
Writing
Required:20
Speaking
Required:20
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
GRE General
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Math, or Hard Science
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal Statement
  • Resume/CV
  • Letters of Recommendation (not required for MS CS, but allowed)
Specialization Notes

GRE is NOT required for Master's applicants for 2025-2026.