Steven J. Skerlos

Steven J. Skerlos is the Arthur F. Thurnau Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Michigan's College of Engineering. He serves as Director of the U-M Program in Sustainable Engineering, Co-Director of the Engineering Sustainable Systems Program, Chairman of the Board and Founder of Fusion Coolant Systems, and co-founded the Insitu Center for Socially Engaged Design. He has been Director of Sustainability Education Programs for the College of Engineering since 2012.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering, University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign (2000)
• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign (1994)

Professor Skerlos's research centers on environmental and sustainable technology systems, including life cycle product design optimization, pollution prevention in manufacturing, metalworking fluid technologies, membrane filtration, and technology policy analysis. His work spans Design, Energy, and Manufacturing domains with emphasis on practical sustainable engineering solutions. He leads the Environmental and Sustainable Technologies Laboratory where students address challenges in systems design, manufacturing processes, and water systems through interdisciplinary approaches.

Scientific Awards:

• Green Chemistry Challenge Award (2020)
• William T. Ennor Technology Award (2019)
• Arthur F. Thurnau Professorship (2012)
• Second Place, Accelerate Michigan Innovation Competition (2012)
• Neil Van Eenam Memorial Undergraduate Teaching Award (2011)
• Mechanical Engineering Department Achievement Award (2009)
• Ralph Teetor Award (2008)
• Kuo K. Wang Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award (2007)
• Education Excellence Award (2006)
• Outstanding Student Group Advisor for Engineers Without Borders (2004)
• Gilbert Whitaker Award for the Improvement of Teaching (2003-2004)
• New Faces of Engineering (2003)
• Ruth and Joel Spira Outstanding Teaching Award (2002)
• 1938E Class Excellence Award (2002-2003)
• Robert Caddell Memorial Materials & Manufacturing Award (2002)
• Outstanding Teaching Award, Department of Mechanical Engineering (2001)
• CAREER Award, National Science Foundation (2000)
• UM Distinguished Faculty Fellowship in Sustainability

Professor Skerlos secured a $2M NSF grant (2005-2012) for greenhouse gas policy research in automotive sectors and raised $8M for Fusion Coolant Systems through MINTS funding. He co-founded two startups (Accuri Cytometers and Fusion Coolant Systems) and BLUElab, advising student teams that earned national recognition including Engineers Without Borders awards. His mentorship extends to PhD students addressing sustainability challenges across manufacturing and water systems.

He directs the Environmental and Sustainable Technologies Laboratory and founded BLUElab, which implements engineering solutions globally. His Insitu Center for Socially Engaged Design and Fusion Coolant Systems (developer of EPA-recognized Pure-Cut technology) demonstrate his commitment to translating research into real-world sustainable manufacturing innovations.