The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) is recognizing Georgia Tech alumnus and faculty member Tim Lieuwen with its most distinguished award: the ASME Medal.

He is the first person from Georgia Tech to receive the medal in its 105-year history. The honor is reserved for “eminently distinguished engineering achievement” — in Lieuwen’s case, for leadership in promoting clean energy and sustainable propulsion systems. He’s also being recognized for his contributions to policy and workforce development.

“I’m deeply honored to receive this award — and even more grateful for the extraordinary community that made it possible,” said Lieuwen, Tech’s executive vice president for Research and Regents’ Professor in the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering. “For three decades at Georgia Tech, I’ve been privileged to work alongside brilliant colleagues, students, and staff who shaped my journey and driven our shared success. This recognition isn’t mine alone; it belongs to every member of our Yellow Jacket family who turns bold ideas into real-world results. It’s a celebration of what we’ve accomplished together — and a powerful reminder of the exciting path ahead.”

Lieuwen’s expertise includes energy, propulsion, energy policy, and national security. He has worked closely with government and industry throughout his career, particularly on fundamental problems that arise from the development of clean combustion systems or use of alternative fuels. 

He holds nine patents and has licensed several related technologies to industry. Lieuwen also founded TurbineLogic, an energy analytics firm. 

For 12 years, Lieuwen led Georgia Tech’s Strategic Energy Institute. He was selected to lead the Institute’s $1.37 billion research enterprise in September 2024. Lieuwen earned his master’s and doctoral degrees in mechanical engineering at Tech before joining the aerospace engineering faculty.

“Tim Lieuwen represents the very best of Georgia Tech, and we are fortunate to have him as an alum, a distinguished faculty member, and now our executive vice president for Research helping other faculty be successful,” said President Ángel Cabrera. “The ASME Medal is the highest honor ASME bestows, and Tim’s selection is a powerful testament to his lasting contributions to the field and the excellence, innovation, and impact that we pursue at Georgia Tech.”

Lieuwen is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and an International Fellow of the U.K.’s Royal Academy of Engineering. He is a fellow of ASME and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Lieuwen serves on governing and advisory boards for three Department of Energy national labs and is a member of the National Petroleum Council.