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The Clark School’s dean was once again recognized for his significant and ongoing contributions to engineering and society.
Samuel Graham, dean and Nariman Farvardin Professor in mechanical engineering, was named an honorary member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), one of the highest awards given by ASME. Since 1880, the award has recognized mechanical engineers for “a lifetime of service to engineering” and “distinguished service that contributes significantly to the attainment of the goals of the engineering profession.” Since 1980, no more than five engineers annually have received this honor.
Graham pioneers research, advances education, and addresses strategic needs
The ASME Board of Governors unanimously selected Graham and recognized him for “pioneering contributions to the fields of thermal science and advanced electronics; leadership in advancing engineering research and education; and sustained contributions addressing the strategic needs of the United States through federal advisory boards.”
“I am incredibly honored and thankful to my colleagues for the recognition through this award. There are some truly outstanding leaders in our field who have been named ASME Honorary Members and inspired my career, and I hope to do the same for others. I am grateful for my current and former students and collaborators who I have been fortunate to work with over my career. They have been inspirational, helped me to dream big, and achieve what I have accomplished in this profession,” Graham said. “This award is a testament to what we have accomplished together, not what I have done alone. Every opportunity that I have taken to serve through an advisory board or join a research endeavor with colleagues has been with the emphasis on making an impact on society. This has made the journey fun and meaningful along the way.”
Graham elevates the A. James Clark School of Engineering
Graham became dean of the Clark School in October 2021 and was reappointed in June 2026. Under Dean Graham’s guidance, the Clark School has developed a student-centered experience rooted in modern academic programs and experiential learning opportunities, fostered an inclusive culture that recognizes achievement, and expanded its pioneering research. He has also led the establishment of the Edward St. Johns Center for Translational Engineering and Medicine; a new BS-MD program for engineers, computer scientists, and physicists; the creation of Terrapinworks Baltimore; and the growth of research efforts in quantum engineering, AI, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing. His personal research is in the development of wide bandgap semiconductor technology for rf, power, and optoelectronic applications.
Additional recognitions for leadership and engineering contributions
In addition to the ASME honor, Graham’s peers have recognized his leadership and contributions with some of the most important awards in engineering, including the IEEE Richard Chu Award for Thermal Management and the ASME Allan Kraus Thermal Management Medal. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the American Society of Thermal and Fluids Engineers.
Graham will receive his honor at the International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition in November 2026.
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August 26, 2026
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