(L to R): Bruce R. Locke, Ph.D.; J. Murray Gibson, Ph.D.; Hui “Helen” Li, Ph.D.; Zhiyong “Richard” Liang, Ph.D.; and Richard McCollough, Ph.D. (Photos by Mark Wallheiser, Scott Holstein/FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and courtesy Florida State University)
Five FAMU-FSU College of Engineering professors will be honored by the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida (ASEMFL) for their groundbreaking contributions to engineering research and innovation.
The November 2025 induction ceremony at the ASEMFL Annual Meeting will recognize these faculty members’ achievements across materials science, power electronics, plasma engineering and advanced manufacturing. All five inductees have also earned membership in the National Academy of Inventors (NAI), underscoring their impact on transformative research.
Research Excellence Drives Recognition
“The accomplishments of our faculty not only demonstrate their dedication to innovation and excellence in engineering but also reflect our commitment to fostering a collaborative environment that advances both education and research,” said Suvranu De, dean of the joint FAMU-FSU College of Engineering.
2025 ASEMFL Inductees from FAMU-FSU Engineering
Richard McCullough: Pioneering Printable Electronics
Richard McCullough, president of Florida State University and affiliated faculty member in Materials Science and Engineering, earned recognition for pioneering research on regiospecific polythiophenes. His breakthroughs in printable electronic materials, reactive metal inks and organic semiconductors have advanced the field of flexible electronics.
Murray Gibson: Advancing Semiconductor Technology
Murray Gibson, a Florida A&M University professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and former dean of the joint FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, is renowned for research in advanced electron microscopy techniques. His work reveals critical relationships between structure and properties in semiconductor nanostructures.
Hui (Helen) Li: Transforming Power Electronics
Hui (Helen) Li, a Florida State University Provost McKenzie Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering, received recognition for pioneering work in power electronics. Her research focuses on developing technologies for direct current converters, renewable energy solutions and battery products.
Bruce R. Locke: Environmental Solutions Through Plasma Engineering
Bruce R. Locke, chair and distinguished research professor in Chemical and Biomedical Engineering at Florida State University, is acclaimed for research in plasma reaction engineering. He designs and develops gas-liquid plasma reactors for environmental pollution control and chemical synthesis.
Zhiyong (Richard) Liang: Innovating Advanced Materials
Zhiyong (Richard) Liang serves as Sprint Eminent Scholar Chair and professor in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering at Florida State University. As associate dean of research and director of the High-Performance Materials Institute (HPMI), he’s recognized for innovative research developing products using carbon nanotubes and other composite materials.
“This is a great honor to our team, center and joint college as well as both universities to recognize our research, education and commercialization excellence,” Liang said.
Building on a Legacy of Innovation
The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering has established a strong tradition of ASEMFL and NAI membership among its faculty. Previous honorees include:
- David Larbalestier, Krafft Professor in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, chief materials scientist at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory and chair of the joint college Department of Materials Science and Engineering
- Manoj Shah, distinguished professor of engineering
- Longya Xu, distinguished professor of engineering
- Theo Siegrist, professor in chemical and biomedical engineering and materials science and engineering
About ASEMFL
Founded in 2018, the Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine of Florida is a nonprofit organization comprising top scholars and researchers from universities, public agencies and industries statewide. Selection requires nomination by current members and a demonstrated history of contributions benefiting Florida and the global community.
The annual ASEMFL conference connects Florida-based researchers who share a common mission: advancing scientific knowledge and driving technological innovation.
Editor’s Note: This article was edited with a custom prompt for Claude Sonnet 4, an AI assistant created by Anthropic. The AI optimized the article for SEO discoverability, improved clarity, structure and readability while preserving the original reporting and factual content. All information and viewpoints remain those of the author and publication. This article was edited and fact-checked by college staff before being published. This disclosure is part of our commitment to transparency in our editorial process. Last edited: 10-8-2025.
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