Ali P. Gordon

Ali P. Gordon is an Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Central Florida (UCF) and serves as Associate Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS). He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Tech and specializes in continuum-level material modeling under complex operating conditions. His research focuses on creep rupture, thermomechanical fatigue, and additive manufacturing, funded by NSF, ONR, and AFRL. He has authored/co-authored over 100 articles and received prestigious awards like the Orr and Widera Awards for ASME best papers.

Dr. Gordon is deeply committed to undergraduate research mentorship, leading the Mechanics of Materials Research Group which has produced over 30 journal articles co-authored by undergraduates. He has mentored at least 10 undergraduates per semester and chairs the most Honors in the Major thesis committees in CECS. He co-leads NSF-funded REU Sites in hypersonics and hosts faculty-embedded study abroad programs in Brazil. His teaching accolades include UCF’s highest teaching honor twice and recognition as a Champion of Undergraduate Research.

Key research areas span material behavior under extreme conditions, constitutive modeling, and life prediction methodologies. His work bridges academia and industry, with collaborations at Siemens Energy and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Active in ASME, he advises UCF’s NSBE chapter and contributes to educational initiatives like the HYPER REU program fostering next-generation aerospace engineers.