Alan I. Taub

Alan I. Taub is a Professor in the Departments of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) and Mechanical Engineering (ME) at the University of Michigan, where he also holds the Robert H. Lurie Professor of Engineering chair. He is the Director of the Michigan Materials Research Institute (MMRI) and actively contributes to the Global CO2 Initiative. Prior to joining the University of Michigan in 2012, Taub served as Vice President of Global Research & Development at General Motors (2001-2012) and held leadership roles at Ford Motor Company (1993-2001) and General Electric (1979-1993).

• B.S. in Materials Engineering from Brown University (1976)
• M.S. and Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Harvard University (1977, 1979)

Taub’s research focuses on advanced materials and processing for automotive lightweighting, composite materials, and sustainable manufacturing. His work spans metal matrix composites, polymer nanocomposites, and innovative forming processes, with significant contributions to electric vehicle technologies and CO2 emission reduction strategies.

His publications highlight advancements in ultrasonic-assisted forming, carbon nanotube alignment, and in situ composite synthesis. Key trends include lightweighting for fuel efficiency, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and digital manufacturing techniques like metamorphic processing.

• TMS Application to Practice Award (2020)
• Acta Materialia Materials & Society Award (2011)
• Charles S. Barrett Medal (2010)
• TMS Laureate Lecture (2007)
• Materials Research Society Special Recognition Award (2004)
• Brown University Engineering Alumni Medal (2002)

Taub has advised numerous researchers through his roles and collaborations, particularly in automotive materials and manufacturing. He has supported major grants and initiatives, including the LIFT institute (Lightweight Innovations for Tomorrow) and the Global CO2 Initiative. His leadership extends to advisory roles on the Visiting Committee on Advanced Technology at NIST and boards of MIT, Northwestern, and UC Davis/Berkeley.

The Taub Research Group at the University of Michigan specializes in enabling transformative manufacturing research, particularly for lightweight materials and electric vehicles. Their work includes composite development, advanced forming processes, and sustainable materials innovation.