Nader Jalili, Ph.D.

Dr. Nader Jalili is a professor of Mechanical Engineering at the SMU Lyle School of Engineering. He joined SMU in 2023 after serving as professor and head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at The University of Alabama and holding multiple faculty and academic leadership positions at Northeastern University. From 2023 to 2026, he served SMU Lyle as Mary and Richard Templeton Dean before retuning his full attention to research, teaching and student mentorship as a professor.

Jalili earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering from Sharif University of Technology in Tehran, Iran, and his doctorate in mechanical engineering from the University of Connecticut.

An internationally recognized researcher, Jalili's work focuses on smart materials and adaptive structures, precision mechatronics, structural dynamics, vibration control and advanced manufacturing. His research has been supported by federal agencies and industry partners and has resulted in more than 300 scholarly publications and multiple patents. He has served as principal investigator and co-principal investigator on more then $17 million in externally funded research and is a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

His current interests include artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, advanced manufacturing and robotics, with an emphasis on developing innovative engineering solutions and preparing students to address complex technical challenges through research, collaboration and entrepreneurship.