Jian Cao

Director at SME

Jian Cao, PhD, FSME, specialized in innovative manufacturing processes and systems, particularly in the areas of deformation-based processes and laser processes. She views manufacturing as an integration platform and has published over 300 technical articles including more than 15 patents. Cao is the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Materials Processing Technology and a board member of mHUB, Chicago's first innovation center focused on physical product development and manufacturing. She is a fellow of SME, American Association for the Advancement of Science, ASME and CIRP. Her major awards include Vannevar Bush Faculty Fellow from DoD (2019), Charles Russ Richards Memorial Award (2017) from ASME and Pi Tau Sigma, SME Frederick W. Taylor Research Medal (2016), ASME Blackall Machine Tool and Gage Award (2012, 2018), SME Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award (2002) and NSF CAREER Award (1997). She served as president of SME's North American Manufacturing Research Institution (2011-12) and was a program director at the National Science Foundation (2003-05). SME Member Since 1996.