PHOTO COURTESY DUMITRU CARUNTU
Dumitru Caruntu, a UTRGV professor of mechanical engineering, received in August the 2025 American Society of Mechanical Engineers Robert E. Abbott Award, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of engineering.
Caruntu was awarded the ASME Design Engineering Division award, which he said is one of the most important divisions that focuses on specific areas of research, services and teaching.
The award recognizes a history of work Caruntu has contributed, such as serving as chair of the division, being on the executive committee for six years and general chair of the International Design Engineering Technical conferences.
“I was happy about the nomination because this comes after … I would say a long period of contribution,” he said.
Caruntu added he has published more than 160 journals alongside students who present their research at conferences.
“This recognition does not belong to only me,” he said. “It’s my team, my students, we work together.”
Alfirio Trejo, a UTRGV lecturer for mechanical engineering and a former student of Caruntu, said the professor does a lot of great work at the university, and the award is definitely something he deserves.
“To be honest, it’s not surprising,” Trejo replied when asked what his initial reaction was to Caruntu receiving the ASME award.
He added Caruntu is a very intelligent man who was able to simplify his lessons to students and gave him the confidence to work on his own.
“One of the biggest things that I’ve learned from him is … leadership [and] taking ownership of your work,” Trejo said.
He added some of the research he does with Caruntu involves biomechanical research that uses a motion capture system to study how the body moves.
“The whole purpose of our research is to understand more in depth of exactly how the body’s moving and what can affect the body, like fatigue,” Trejo said.
He said the research can inform doctors or physical therapists what type of movement should be avoided for people with certain injuries, such as anterior cruciate ligament injuries.
Caruntu said there are excellent students in the Rio Grande Valley, but the number of students he can work with is limited.
He added he tries to work with students who are dedicated and interested in research as one of their passions.
“I think it’s very beneficial for the students here, and it just shows again that there are opportunities and we can achieve [those] kind of goals and receive those kind of awards based off the work that is done here by the professors and by the students,” Trejo said.
Caruntu added the reward reflects the research being done in the Valley, also making it a great experience for students interested in it to have their work published.
