Iowa State University College of Engineering alumnus Edward Maginn (’87 chemical engineering) has been elected a member of the National Academy of Engineering, one of the most prestigious recognitions in the field of engineering.
“Ed’s election to the National Academy of Engineering is a remarkable recognition of his outstanding contributions to chemical engineering,” said W. Samuel Easterling, James L. and Katherine S. Melsa Dean of Engineering. “Through pioneering research and leadership in engineering education, he has helped advance the field while shaping the careers of many engineers. The Cyclone Engineering community is proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor.”
About Edward Maginn
Edward Maginn is an internationally recognized leader in chemical engineering research and education. He is the Keough-Hesburgh Professor of Engineering in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Notre Dame and also serves as an associate vice president for research. His work has significantly advanced the use of molecular simulation to address major challenges in energy, sustainability and materials design.
Maginn previously served as chair of Notre Dame’s Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and held the role of associate dean for academic programs in the Graduate School. Since joining the Notre Dame faculty in 1995, he has mentored more than 35 doctoral students and more than 20 postdoctoral scholars while teaching a broad range of undergraduate and graduate courses in thermodynamics, separations and process design. Maginn’s teaching has been widely recognized with several university honors for excellence in both undergraduate and graduate education.
His research focuses on developing and applying atomistic molecular simulation techniques – including molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo methods – to understand and predict thermodynamic and transport properties of complex materials. Maginn is particularly known for work on ionic liquids and charged fluid systems, creating computational methods and open-source tools that enable engineers to design materials and processes at the molecular scale. These advances have supported innovations in areas such as carbon capture, energy storage, separations and environmentally sustainable refrigeration technologies.
Maginn has authored more than 270 peer-reviewed publications and 10 book chapters, holds 9 patents, and has made influential contributions to widely used simulation software. Maginn was inducted into the National Academy of Inventors in 2023. He was honored with the Ernest Thiele Award from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers in 2021 and the Iowa State University College of Engineering Professional Achievement Citation in Engineering (PACE) award in 2020. Maginn is a fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the American Chemical Society, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Maginn earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Iowa State University, and he serves on the Iowa State Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering’s advisory council. He holds a doctorate in chemical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. Before entering academia, he worked as a process engineer for Procter & Gamble.
About the NAE
NAE membership honors those who have made outstanding contributions to engineering practice, research, or education. It also recognizes “pioneering new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of engineering, or developing and implementing innovative approaches to engineering education.”
NAE members are among the world’s most accomplished engineers from business, academia, and government. Founded in 1964, the NAE provides independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation, offering leadership and insights for complex challenges.
Elected by their peers, the Class of 2026 members will be formally inducted during the NAE’s annual meeting in the fall.