Troy, N.Y. - Kevin Craig, director of core engineering and associate professor of mechanical, aeronautical, and nuclear engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, has been named a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

ASME describes Craig as a "pioneer in university and professional mechatronics education, developing undergraduate and graduate courses and laboratories and delivering mechatronics workshops for numerous companies." A fellow is the highest grade of membership within ASME and recognizes exceptional engineering achievements and contributions to the engineering profession.

"Professor Craig's work in mechatronics, which combines mechanical engineering, electronics, control systems, and computers, has introduced a new dimension in learning for our students," said William Baeslack, dean of engineering at Rensselaer. "Through his work in the classroom and with corporations, Kevin has helped engineers integrate multiple disciplines through skillful design, resulting in the generation of better products and processes."

Mechatronics is used in a variety of applications including digital copiers and scanners, robotic manufacturing systems, antilock breaking systems, and stealth technology for planes and ships.

Craig joined the Rensselaer faculty in 1989 and is the founder and director of mechatronics research and training programs at Rensselaer. In addition to his course development, Craig serves as an engineering consultant for a variety or corporations. He earned a doctorate in 1986 and a master's degree in 1981 from Columbia University, and a bachelor's degree from the United States Military Academy in 1973.

About ASME
Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, today ASME International is a nonprofit educational and technical organization serving a worldwide membership of 125,000. ASME's mission is to promote and enhance the technical competency and professional well-being of its members, and through quality programs and activities in mechanical engineering, better enable its practitioners to contribute to the well-being of humankind.