Two University of Minnesota professors elected to the National Academy of Engineering for 2025

University of Minnesota professors Arthur Erdman and Roger Ruan were among the 128 new members and 22 international members elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) Class of 2025 this week. NAE membership is one of the highest professional distinctions awarded to engineers and celebrates outstanding contributions to teaching, research and engineering practice. 

Arthur Erdman is a professor in the College of Science and Engineering and director of the Earl E. Bakken Medical Devices Center. He was elected to NAE for “contributions to kinematics, mechanical design education, and applications for machines and products.” 

Erdman specializes in mechanical design, bioengineering, and medical device and product design. He founded the Earl E. Bakken Medical Devices Center and the Design of Medical Devices Conference. He enjoys working with design teams to develop medical devices that address unmet medical needs and create solutions to improve healthcare. Erdman led the effort to create LINCAGES, a mechanism software design package that has been used worldwide. He has filed numerous device patents, consulted at over 50 companies, and collaborated with faculty across many fields such as ophthalmology, neuroscience, epidemiology and sport biomechanics. 

Roger Ruan is a professor with dual appointments in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and College of Science and Engineering. He is also the director of the Center for Biorefining. Ruan was elected to NAE for “scientific and entrepreneurial contributions to the sustainable development of the circular economy within food and agricultural systems.” 

Ruan is widely recognized for his research in biomass and solid waste conversion, including plastic waste pyrolysis and gasification for the production of chemicals, materials, fuels and energy. His work extends to innovative wastewater treatment solutions, airborne pathogen disinfection, catalytic non-thermal plasma, microwave and photocatalytic technologies, and food engineering advancements. His research has resulted in significant contributions to engineering knowledge, with over 43,000 citations. Ruan is also a Fellow of National Academy of Inventors (Class of 2023), and a Fellow of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) and the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT). 

Erdman and Ruan will be formally inducted during the NAE's Annual Meeting on Oct. 5, 2025. More information on the elections, including a list of the newly elected members and foreign associates, is available on the National Academy of Engineering website.