Northwestern Engineering

We are saddened by the passing of Dan Brown, a clinical professor at Northwestern University's Segal Design Institute. Brown will be remembered for championing his “Differentiation by Design” approach to innovation and for translating decades of experience as an inventor, entrepreneur, and patent holder into a practical design education that shaped Segal students.

https://www.mccormick.northwestern.edu/news/articles/2026/09/segal-design-institute-professor-dan-brown-passes-away/

On. Oct. 3, Professor Cécile Chazot will take the stage at TEDxChicago. Chazot will discuss how her team is designing future textiles inspired by structures found in nature, with a focus on performance and sustainability.

http://spr.ly/6187BGrOA9

Northwestern Engineering’s John Rogers has been named a Fellow of the The Royal Society of Canada (RSC) / La Société royale du Canada (SRC) as part of the Class of 2026. One of just four foreign fellows named, Rogers’ work has significantly impacted medical research and technology development in Canada, particularly in neonatal care.

Congrats, John!

http://spr.ly/6183BGucH3

Northwestern Engineering is saddened by the passing of Isaac M. Daniel. A professor emeritus of civil and environmental engineering and mechanical engineering, Daniel will be remembered for his role in the development of modern composite-materials engineering and contributions to the literature in his research fields.

http://spr.ly/6181BGu9DH

Northwestern Engineering’s Mark Hersam has been selected to receive the American Chemical Society Award in Surface Chemistry, which honors distinguished contributions to the field. His research on nanomaterials, including graphene and carbon nanotubes, has helped scientists better understand and control materials at the smallest scales to advance a wide range of technologies.

http://spr.ly/6186BGzKNC

Scientific American recently highlighted research from Northwestern Engineering's Daniel Abrams exploring why communication rhythms across the natural world often fall within a similar tempo range.

http://spr.ly/6180BGJ9qO

What happens when engineers, environmental scientists, social scientists, and policymakers tackle the same mining problem?

New work from Professors Jennifer Dunn and Giuseppe Buscarnera, and collaborators examines everything from recovering valuable materials from mining wastewater to finding new uses for mine waste. Their findings underscore how decisions about minerals can affect environmental outcomes, energy use, and local communities in ways that aren't always obvious.

http://spr.ly/6188B10L0q

What should a building designed today look like decades from now?

Northwestern Engineering's new Architectural Engineering and Sustainable Design master’s specialization examines that question by bringing together engineering, sustainability, building science, and design. Students will study everything from climate adaptation and building performance to the ways buildings influence health, behavior, and everyday experiences.

http://spr.ly/6186B1xKGI

Northwestern Engineering’s Michael Rubenstein has been selected for the inaugural cohort of the Office of Naval Research’s Chief of Naval Research (CNR) Fellows program.

Launched this year, the program brings academic researchers into the naval science and technology enterprise, giving them the opportunity to apply their expertise to critical U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps challenges. The CNR fellowship also aims to build stronger connections between the US Department of the Navy and the academic community.

Rubenstein is among 12 winners chosen from more than 180 nominations from approximately 70 academic institutions across the United States.

Learn more: http://spr.ly/6187B1l9gX