The NC State University Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) will host the 2025 Carl F. Zorowski Distinguished Lecture, featuring Giorgio Rizzoni, the Ford Motor Company Chair in Electromechanical Systems and Director of Ohio State University’s Center for Automotive Research. The event, which honors the legacy of the late Dr. Carl Zorowski, will explore the future of automotive propulsion systems, sustainable fuels, and energy sources.
The lecture series is dedicated to Dr. Carl Zorowski, a former head of the MAE Department, Reynolds Professor Emeritus, and a stalwart figure in NC State’s College of Engineering for over 60 years. Dr. Zorowski, who passed away on April 5, 2021, left a profound impact as an educator, researcher, and administrator. His contributions extended beyond academia into industry consultation and program development, including co-founding the Integrated Manufacturing Systems Engineering Institute (IMSEI). The lecture series serves as a tribute to his lifelong commitment to engineering education, research, and innovation.
Professor Rizzoni’s lecture, titled The Future of Automotive Propulsion Systems, Sustainable Fuels, and Energy Sources – What Cars Will Our Grandchildren Drive?, will provide insights drawn from over three decades of research in vehicle energy efficiency, carbon emissions, and sustainable transportation. The discussion will address the technological, policy, and economic factors shaping the future of mobility, offering a comprehensive analysis of primary energy sources and their role in vehicle propulsion systems. Attendees will gain an understanding of the potential and challenges associated with petroleum-based fuels, electricity, hydrogen, biofuels, and e-fuels in the evolving transportation landscape.
Rizzoni, a professor in both Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering and Electrical & Computer Engineering at Ohio State University, has been recognized for his contributions to engineering education and research. His leadership spans numerous Department of Energy (DOE) initiatives, including efforts to enhance energy efficiency in connected and automated vehicles through the ARPA-E NEXTCAR program. He is a Fellow of IEEE, SAE, and ASME and has mentored over 150 graduate students throughout his career.
The 2025 Carl F. Zorowski Distinguished Lecture will provide an opportunity for students, faculty, and industry professionals to engage with cutting-edge research and forward-thinking perspectives on sustainable transportation. The event underscores the MAE Department’s ongoing commitment to honoring Dr. Zorowski’s legacy by fostering meaningful discussions on the future of engineering and mobility.
For more details on the event, visit the lecture’s event listing on the MAE website.