The University of Michigan-Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute (UM-SJTU JI, JI hereafter) has announced the establishment of its American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Student Section, following the receipt of the official certificate from the US-based non-profit professional association. This milestone marks the first ASME Student Section on the SJTU campuses.

Certificate of the JI ASME Student Section

ASME, founded in 1880, is a prestigious international nonprofit organization dedicated to education and technology in the field of mechanical engineering. With over 85,000 members in more than 135 countries worldwide, ASME aims to promotes the art, science, and practice of multidisciplinary engineering and allied sciences around the globe. The organization plays a pivotal role in providing solutions to real-world challenges and promoting the advancement of engineering for the betterment of mankind.

The JI ASME Student Section was spearheaded by faculty member Associate Professor Jaehyung Ju, who will serve as the guiding teacher for the section, with undergraduate student Yongqi Zheng enrolled in 2019 serving as the first section president.  With over 60 members already enrolled, the student section has established a student committee responsible for the day-to-day operations and coordination of activities. The committee’s primary objective is to organize workshops, share experiences, and facilitate visits to exhibitions and companies relevant to the field of mechanical engineering. These initiatives are designed to enhance the overall academic experience and encourage the exchange of ideas among students and faculty members. In addition, the section aims to provide a platform for collaborative interaction between students and professionals, offering guidance and support for engineering innovation competitions. By encouraging practical implementation of innovative ideas, the section strives to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

Group photo of JI ASME Student Section members

The establishment of the ASME student section at JI signifies a significant step towards internationalizing the academic community in the field of mechanical engineering. Jaehyung Ju, the guiding teacher, expressed optimism about future collaborations with engineering institutions and alumni networks worldwide. The section aims to organize diverse engineering practical activities, broaden global academic perspectives, and strengthen international exchanges to showcase the distinct allure of mechanical engineering. The student section will not only help members gain a deeper understanding of industry trends but also foster an environment where they can freely explore the boundaries of their knowledge and skills. This initiative reflects the core values and aspirations behind the establishment of the ASME student section, said Professor Ju.

Jaehyung Ju, who joined JI in 2016, has been a member of ASME since 2006. He received the Young Engineer Award from the ASME North Texas Section in 2012 and the Best Paper Award from the ASME Journal of Engineering Materials and Technology in 2015. Starting in 2017, he has organized technical symposiums on “Mechanical Metamaterials” at the ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition (IMECE) .

JI Associate Professor Jaehyung Ju

Source: SJTU JI

Editor on Duty: Diwei Chen

Responsible Editor: Qianqian Jiang, Yuhe Fu