Lueptow Receives Honorary Doctorate from French University
The honorary doctorate was awarded for research excellence and collaboration with Aix-Marseille researchers
Northwestern Engineering’s Richard Lueptow has received a Doctorat Honoris Causa (honorary doctorate) from Aix-Marseille University, the largest university in France.
Lueptow formally accepted the honor on April 4 at the Aix-Marseille University Scientific Soiree, held on the grounds of the Pharo Palace in Marseille, France. The honorary doctorate was awarded for overall research excellence as well as for collaboration with researchers at Aix-Marseille University. Over the past 24 years, Lueptow has collaborated with five individual researchers and their students and post-doctoral researchers, resulting in around 20 joint papers.
“This is one of the most meaningful honors of my career,” Lueptow said. “Not only am I proud of collaborations with several researchers at Aix-Marseille University over the years, but I have also been fortunate to develop friendships with these colleagues and gotten to know them and their families.”
Lueptow is senior associate dean and a professor of mechanical engineering and (by courtesy) chemical and biological engineering at the McCormick School of Engineering. His research interests and expertise range from fundamental flow physics to water purification to granular flows.
“Richard Lueptow’s recognition with an honorary doctorate from Aix-Marseille University is a powerful testament to the global impact of his research and his unwavering commitment to collaboration and academic excellence,” said Christopher Schuh, dean of the McCormick School of Engineering. “We are incredibly proud to see his decades of innovation and mentorship honored on the international stage.”
Previous honors for Lueptow include being elected a fellow of three societies: the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (2023), the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (2012), and the American Physical Society’s Division of Fluid Dynamics (2008). Other honors include the AIChE’s Dow Particle Processing Recognition Award and the William M. Carey Award from the National Fire Protection Research Foundation (twice). Lueptow was also named Charles Deering McCormick Professor of Teaching Excellence at Northwestern University in 2000.