Dr. James Drallmeier, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology, has been named Curators’ Teaching Professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering. The new title will be conferred during Missouri S&T commencement ceremonies Saturday, Dec. 19.

The Curators’ Teaching Professorship was established at Missouri S&T in 1990 to honor outstanding professors, call attention to teaching excellence, and foster improvements in teaching and learning. The University of Missouri Board of Curators approved Drallmeier’s designation as Curators’ Teaching Professor during a recent meeting.

Drallmeier came to Missouri S&T in 1989 after earning a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He received the National Science Foundation Presidential Young Investigator Award in 1991 and the Society of Automotive Engineers Ralph R. Teetor Educational Award in 1992. He served as associate chair for graduate affairs in S&T’s mechanical and aerospace engineering department from 1998 to 2001.

Drallmeier has received eight Faculty Excellence Awards and 16 Outstanding Teaching Awards. He has mentored more than 35 graduate students and 25 undergraduate research students in his laboratories. Together, they have authored more than 70 scholarly papers.

Drallmeier’s research areas include combustion, fluid dynamics and internal combustion engine systems. His research projects have been funded by government agencies like the NSF and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and by companies like Ford and Kawasaki. Currently, Drallmeier and his students are working on novel engine systems, including advanced combustion modes for improved efficiency and fuel flexibility.