Baylor Engineering Professor Lulin Jiang, Ph.D. Named AIAA Associate Fellow

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Lulin Jiang, Ph.D., associate professor of mechanical engineering in Baylor University’s School of Engineering and Computer Science, has been elected a Class of 2027 Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the world’s largest technical society dedicated to the global aerospace profession.

The prestigious distinction recognizes individuals who have led important engineering or scientific work, produced original work of outstanding merit or made significant contributions to the arts, sciences or technology of aeronautics and astronautics. Only 17% of AIAA members are selected as Associate Fellows. Candidates must have at least 12 years of professional experience, hold AIAA Senior Member status and receive recommendations from three AIAA members.

“Being named an AIAA Associate Fellow is a tremendous honor,” Jiang said. “This recognition is a reflection of the many students, collaborators, mentors, colleagues and sponsors who have contributed to our work over the years. One of the greatest joys of my career has been advancing technologies while teaching, mentoring and helping to fan into flame the unique gifts and talents of students and watching them grow in our programs into successful engineers and researchers. Their accomplishments continue to encourage and inspire me.

“I am deeply grateful to Baylor University for providing such a supportive environment for research, education and mentorship, and to my colleagues for their encouragement, collaboration and friendship. Ultimately, I give thanks and glory to God for the opportunities, guidance and blessings that have made this journey possible,” Jiang added.

Pioneering work in combustion technologies

Jiang brings more than a decade of experience in advanced atomization and combustion, laser diagnostics and flow investigation. Her research focuses on the design of thermo-fluid systems, combustion and propulsion, advanced sprays, multiphase flow and renewable energy. Her research team is working to advance transformative atomization techniques and next-generation combustion and propulsion systems that could enable cleaner, more complete combustion across fuels with widely varying properties. 

Her group has designed atomizers capable of producing rapid and fine atomization, supporting the efficient combustion of fossil fuels and biofuels ranging from low-viscosity liquids to highly viscous oils. The work holds potential for near-zero-emission combustion with greater fuel flexibility. Jiang also is committed to mentoring undergraduate and graduate researchers while teaching courses in thermodynamics and combustion at Baylor.

“Dr. Jiang’s election as an Associate Fellow of AIAA is a well-deserved recognition of her innovative contributions to combustion and propulsion research,” said Daniel Pack, Ph.D., dean of Baylor’s School of Engineering and Computer Science. “Her pioneering research, commitment to mentoring students and dedication to teaching bring distinction to our efforts as we pursue excellence in all we do at Baylor.”

Jiang joins a geographically diverse group of 2027 Associate Fellows representing 50 AIAA sections across all seven AIAA regions, seven countries and 42 U.S. states. AIAA President Keoki Jackson said the latest class has “advanced the state of science and technology in aeronautics and astronautics, breaking some of our industry’s most challenging barriers along the way. Their sustained excellence and technical leadership reflect the caliber of talent shaping the future of aerospace.”

The Class of 2027 will be formally honored during the AIAA Associate Fellows Induction Ceremony and Dinner in January held in conjunction with the AIAA SciTech Forum 2027 in Orlando.

ABOUT LULIN JIANG, PH.D.

Lulin Jiang, Ph.D., is an associate professor of mechanical engineering in Baylor University’s School of Engineering and Computer Science. With more than a decade of experience in advanced atomization, combustion and laser diagnostics, her research focuses on designing thermo-fluid systems and next-generation combustion and propulsion technologies that support cleaner, more efficient and fuel-flexible energy solutions. Before joining Baylor, Jiang served on the faculty at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where she established a combustion laboratory and mentored undergraduate and graduate researchers. She earned her Ph.D. and M.S. in mechanical engineering from The University of Alabama and her bachelor’s degree in thermal energy and power engineering from North China Electric Power University. At Baylor, she teaches thermodynamics and combustion while continuing research in multiphase flow, renewable energy, advanced sprays and laser-based flow measurements.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked Research 1 institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for nearly 20,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Learn more about Baylor University at www.baylor.edu.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE AT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor ECS is advancing as a premier School of Engineering and Computer Science in research and education with a commitment to Christian values. Majors include aerospace engineering, aviation sciences, bioinformatics, computer science, data science, cybersecurity, computer engineering, electrical and computer engineering, general engineering and mechanical engineering. ECS offers a number of graduate and Ph.D. programs, such as AI+, biomedical engineering and interdisciplinary degrees in Materials Science and Engineering. The School also offers graduate professional certificates. With more than 1,200 students, ECS stands out from the crowd through Christian commitment, R1 research, a caring community, small class sizes, personalized career support, 93%+ success rate, expert faculty and leading practical experience. Visit the ECS website to learn more and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF AERONAUTICS AND ASTRONAUTICS

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With over 33,000 individual members from 91 countries, and more than 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit www.aiaa.org and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X.