Magdi Naim Azer

Dr. Magdi Naim Azer serves as the Associate Director for Manufacturing Science at the Illinois Applied Research Institute (ARI), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He leads applied research, development, and engineering initiatives in digital manufacturing, intelligent machining processes, smart factory applications, and defense systems. With over two decades of experience at General Electric, he brings expertise in technical collaboration, R&D proposal development, and business management.

Education:

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Kansas State University
• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Research Interests span advanced manufacturing technologies, including laser-materials processing, digital manufacturing, intelligent machining, and defense systems. His work emphasizes integrating industrial and academic partnerships to drive innovation in smart factory applications.

Collaborations & Grants:

• Secured $70 million in funding for the DoD Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute
• Coordinated R&D interactions across 40 companies and 30 universities
• Led GE's engagement with the NSF Center for Lasers & Plasmas in Manufacturing

Technical Contributions:

• 30 publications and 9 patents in laser-materials processing
• Board member of the Laser Institute of America (2005–2010)