The University of Minnesota’s Department of Mechanical Engineering is proud to announce that Professor Arthur Erdman has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE)—one of the highest professional honors for engineers.

Professor Erdman was recognized for his contributions to kinematics, mechanical design education, and applications for machines and products. As the founding director of the Earl E. Bakken Medical Device Center and the Richard C. Jordan Professor in Mechanical Engineering, he has made significant advancements in biomedical engineering, mechanical design, and medical device innovation.

Throughout his career, Dr. Erdman has led groundbreaking research in medical devices, biomechanics, and product design, collaborating across fields like ophthalmology, neurology, and orthopedics. He co-developed LINCAGES, published over 395 papers, authored three books, and holds more than 48 patents. His work has modernized the teaching of kinematics and mechanism design, benefiting over 50 companies, including Medtronic, 3M, Honeywell, and Abbott.

With this honor, Professor Erdman joins ME Professors David Pui and Andrew Alleyne as members of the NAE, alongside a distinguished group of former faculty, including Professor Richard Jordan, Ernst Eckert, Emil Pfender, Ken Whitby, Benjamin Y. H. Liu, Richard Goldstein, Subbiah Ramalingam, and Ephraim Sparrow.

Founded in 1964, the NAE elects members based on their outstanding contributions to engineering research, practice, and education. Membership is among the most prestigious distinctions in the field, recognizing individuals who have significantly shaped technology and innovation.

Thomas Chase reflects on 47 years of collaboration with Arthur Erdman, honoring a mentor’s lasting legacy

From left to right: Howard Watrous, Don Rily, Professor Thomas Chase, and Professor Arthur Erdman, reflecting on decades of collaboration and friendship. (Photo taken in 1986 in Columbiana, OH)

Professor Thomas Chase, Morse Alumni Distinguished Teaching Professor in Mechanical Engineering, reflects on his 47-year journey working with Professor Erdman. Having been a Ph.D. student under Professor Erdman, Chase shares the profound impact Erdman had on his career:

"In 1978, after missing application deadlines, I visited several schools, including the University of Minnesota, where I learned about Erdman’s exciting work in mechanisms. He personally picked me up at the airport in his Datsun 280Z and treated me like royalty. That visit sealed the deal—I chose to work with Art, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Under his mentorship, I attended the 5th World Congress of the International Federation for the Promotion of Mechanism and Machine Science (IFToMM) in Montreal, which transformed my career through invaluable experiences and connections."

Chase recalls the unwavering support Art provided during their collaboration:

"Despite missing all the deadlines, Art made a couple of calls, and everything was taken care of. That’s just the kind of person he is—someone who goes above and beyond for those he mentors."

ASME Design Engineering Technical Conferences, Sep 1994

Chase recalls the unwavering support Art provided during their collaboration:

"Art treated me like family, and that’s something I’ll always cherish. I never once got upset with Art during my time working with him. He always gave me the space to explore my own ideas, but when I got stuck, he had the incredible ability to come up with insightful solutions."

Chase emphasizes the lasting legacy of Erdman’s contributions:

"Art has had a tremendous impact on the direction of the educational program of our Mechanical Engineering Department. Thanks to him, thousands of students have learned not only how to analyze mechanical systems but also how to synthesize them. His legacy lives on through the many faculty and students he has influenced."