Professor Yong Zhu has been elected a fellow to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), an honor bestowed on only 3 percent of members. Zhu’s research on experimental nanomechanics and nanomaterial-enabled stretchable electronics has resulted in key contributions to the field of mechanical engineering. 
According to his award citation, Zhu was nominated because his work has made “significant contributions to nanotechnology and experimental mechanics by advancing understanding on the mechanical behavior and properties of nanostructured materials and their applications in high-performance flexible and stretchable electronics. Professor Zhu is also an excellent engineering educator and has established the first nanotechnology lab course at North Carolina State University.” Zhu’s research aims to not only uncover fundamental insights into the behavior of nanomaterials, but also demonstrate how these materials could best be utilized in the future. Zhu recently led a 4-year NSF grant on scalable nanomanufacturing to make nanomaterials into wearable and stretchable devices.
ASME, founded in 1880, is a not-for-profit professional organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing and skill development across all engineering disciplines, while promoting the role of the engineer in society. The fellowship distinction is conferred by the ASME Committee of Past Presidents to recognize candidates on their outstanding engineering achievements.
In addition, at the 2017 ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition in Tampa, Florida, Professor Zhu received the Eshelby Mechanics Award for Young Faculty and became the Vice Chair of the Materials Division Executive Committee (will be Chair next year).