Utah State University’s Juhyeong Lee, assistant professor in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, has been named a 2025 Distinguished International Associate by the United Kingdom’s Royal Academy of Engineering. He is one of only 11 researchers worldwide — and one of two representing the United States — recognized for his groundbreaking work in advanced composites and machine learning.
“I am truly honored to receive this distinction from the UK Royal Academy of Engineering,” Lee said. “This award is not just a recognition of personal achievement, but also a crucial first step toward a long-term Utah-UK collaboration, fostering joint research initiatives, advancing artificial intelligence and machine learning for composites, plus creating new opportunities for student and faculty exchanges.”
As part of the recognition, Lee will travel to the United Kingdom next year to lead a technical seminar and workshop, deliver a keynote presentation to an international audience and receive a £10,000 grant to advance his research.
“This is an exciting opportunity to deepen my collaborations with UK partners,” Lee said. “It aligns with Utah’s 2023 partnership with the UK — the Utah-UK MOU — and will help advance our state’s efforts in aerospace and defense, while driving innovation in advanced materials and aircraft systems.”
He plans to develop Multiphysics-Informed Neural Network models, or MPINN models, which combine the power of machine learning with the physical laws that govern carbon fiber composites. These models will help predict how materials respond under extreme conditions, such as severe heat — an important step for ensuring safety in high-stakes industries like aerospace and automotive.
“This research enables the development of high-temperature, durable composites tailored for aerospace and beyond,” Lee said. “By integrating AI and machine learning, it enhances suitability through optimized material usage, reduced waste and minimized dependence on costly testing and large-scale simulations.”
The Royal Academy of Engineering, the United Kingdom’s national engineering academy, is dedicated to advancing excellence and innovation in engineering. Its Distinguished International Associates program recognizes outstanding international engineers who are leading the way in research and innovation. The latest round of the program focused on applicants working at the intersection of engineering and artificial intelligence.