Dr. Jong Yoon named 2025 Academic Engineer of the Year by PSEC_足彩app哪个是正规的

Lacey Arnold
Wed, 28 May 2025 22:30:46 +0000
Department of Engineering & Mathematics, Innovation, Research, Teaching

Recognized for his excellence in education, research, and community impact, Dr. Jong Yoon has been awarded the 2025 Academic Engineer of the Year award by the Puget Sound Engineering Council (PSEC).

足彩app哪个是正规的 post Dr. Jong Yoon named 2025 Academic Engineer of the Year by PSEC appeared first on School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics.

We are proud to highlight that Dr. Jong Yoon, associate professor of Mechanical Engineering in the School of STEM’s Division of Engineering & Mathematics, has been named the 2025 Academic Engineer of the Year by the Puget Sound Engineering Council. This prestigious recognition honors Yoon’s exemplary contributions to engineering education, innovative research, and community engagement.

Yoon was honored at the 66th Annual PSEC Engineer of the Year Awards Banquet on Saturday, April 26, at the Museum of Flight in Seattle. Dean Jennifer McLoud-Mann had the honor of introducing Yoon and welcoming him up to the stage to accept his award.

“He lives the mission of our School of STEM, transforming lives — one student at a time,” said Dean McLoud-Mann. “From supporting first-generation college students here in Washington to mentoring Korean students across the globe, Yoon’s reach is both personal and far-reaching.”

A leader in innovation and impact

Yoon directs the Smart Medical Devices Lab at UW Bothell, where his research bridges mechanical engineering, robotics, and biomedical devices. His work focuses on developing cutting-edge technologies to improve the lives of individuals with physical disabilities and to support caregiving tasks.

Among his most impactful projects is the development of a smart multifunction toilet wheelchair — a device designed to restore dignity and independence for users, while enhancing safety and efficiency for caregivers. His lab also explores minimally invasive surgical robotics, multi-modal medical imaging, and neural interfaces for assistive technologies.

Yoon’s work has led to multiple patents and has received support from agencies including the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.

A global perspective, a local commitment

Yoon brings a diverse range of experience to UW Bothell. He previously served as an assistant professor at Qatar University and worked as a research engineer at Samsung Electro-Mechanics. He earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington, where he developed an automated bladder imaging system using a novel scanning fiber endoscope.

Since joining UW Bothell in 2014, Yoon has become an integral part of the School of STEM — offering students a unique opportunity to learn from a global innovator with deep roots in interdisciplinary, application-driven research. As a founding faculty member of the Mechanical Engineering bachelor’s program, Yoon was instrumental in developing the undergraduate program curriculum and overseeing the program’s review for the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Mentorship that matters

In addition to his research, Yoon is a dedicated educator and mentor. He supported students in founding the campus chapter of the American Society for Mechanical Engineers in 2016 and still serves as their adviser. He also advises the TrickFire Robotics Club, helping students apply their classroom knowledge to real-world engineering challenges. Under his guidance, student teams have competed in national competitions such as the NASA Robotic Mining Competition and the University Rover Challenge.

Serving as an adviser since the start of the Eco-car club in 2022 (which was renamed in 2024 from 足彩app哪个是正规的 Electrical Motorsports club), Yoon supported the UW Bothell team participating in the EV Grand Prix, an electric go-kart race for collegiate teams hosted by Purdue University in 2023. Looking ahead, the club is focused on the annual Shell Eco-marathon Americas competition at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2026. 足彩app哪个是正规的 Eco-car club designs and builds small, energy-efficient electric cars from scratch.

His emphasis on hands-on learning and student engagement reflects the core values of the School of STEM — providing opportunities, collaboratively engaging with our community and empowering students to become innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders in their fields.

PSEC recognizing excellence

Yoon giving remarks during the award banquet at 足彩app哪个是正规的 Museum of Flight.

足彩app哪个是正规的 PSEC Academic Engineer of the Year Award is awarded annually to an individual who demonstrates outstanding achievement in academic engineering and research. Yoon was nominated by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Western Washington Section in recognition of his significant and ongoing contributions to both academia and the broader engineering community.

Reflecting on the significance of this recent award, Yoon emphasized the personal and professional fulfillment he has found in mentoring students and serving the community.

“While time-consuming, my service to student groups as well as professional and local communities has been deeply rewarding and fulfilling — especially witnessing students grow, which has been truly priceless,” he shared. “I strongly believe that students who engage in extracurricular activities are more motivated, and that this experience is positively related to academic performance and leadership.”

Please join us in congratulating Yoon on this well-deserved recognition. This honor not only highlights Yoon’s accomplishments but also reflects the growing impact of UW Bothell’s School of STEM in addressing complex challenges through research, education, and innovation.

To learn more about Yoon’s work, visit the Smart Medical Devices Lab website.

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