By Victoria Brito Morales

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – FEB. 18, 2026 – Dr. Dumitru Caruntu, a UTRGV professor of mechanical engineering, has been given the 2025 American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Robert E. Abbott Award for his outstanding contributions to design engineering and long-term service to the ASME Design Engineering Division.

Caruntu said he is humbled by the honor, which places him among past recipients he greatly respects.

“It was both unexpected and profoundly meaningful,” he said. “I view this recognition not only as a personal honor, but also as a reflection of the collaborative efforts of my students, colleagues and mentors over many years.”

The Robert E. Abbott Award honors individuals whose leadership, vision and dedication have made a lasting impact on the advancement of design engineering, and recognizes a career of contributions across research, education, mentorship and professional service. Widely regarded as a career-defining achievement, it spotlights long-term, foundational contributions that shape both theory and practice in mechanical design, kinematics and dynamics.

“At this stage of my career, this recognition is especially meaningful because it acknowledges sustained effort in research, teaching and service,” Caruntu said. “It also serves as motivation to continue contributing through scholarship, leadership and mentorship, and to support the next generation of engineers.”

Caruntu has made sustained technical contributions in nonlinear dynamics, vibrations and design-oriented modeling, with applications ranging from large-scale mechanical systems to micro- and nano-electromechanical systems (MEMS and NEMS).

In addition to his research, he has held numerous leadership roles within ASME, including service as chair of the Design Engineering Division and general chair of the International Design Engineering Technical Conferences (IDETC).

“Being recognized at IDETC – which is ASME’s flagship gathering of the design engineering community – and being surrounded by colleagues, collaborators and former students, made the moment especially meaningful,” Caruntu said.

He hopes the recognition will serve as inspiration for the UTRGV community of scholars to highlight the strength of the university’s engineering programs.

“For students, I hope it demonstrates that high-impact research and national and international engagement are achievable,” he said. “And for the UTRGV community, I hope it reinforces the value of collaboration, mentorship and sustained commitment to excellence.”

Caruntu said he plans to continue advancing research at the intersection of nonlinear dynamics and design engineering, to expand interdisciplinary collaborations, and to remain active in ASME leadership and professional service.

“I am deeply grateful to my mentors, colleagues, students and family for their unwavering support,” he said. “This honor belongs to all of them, as well.”

Video of Caruntu accepting the award can be viewed here.

For more information on Mechanical Engineering at UTRGV, visit https://www.utrgv.edu/cecs/departments/mece/index.htm.