Dr. Jonghyun Park, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, has accepted the role of interim chair of the mechanical and aerospace engineering department. His new role began Aug. 1 and he will serve a one-year term.

Park earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in naval architecture and ocean engineering from Seoul National University in South Korea and a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan. He later served as a postdoctoral research fellow and assistant research scientist at Michigan and worked as a researcher for Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea.

Park joined the S&T faculty in 2014 and was promoted to professor in 2024. He currently serves as director of the department’s undergraduate research program and as an ex-officio director of the Missouri Center for Advanced Power Systems.

An expert in advanced energy storage, battery systems and manufacturing, Park has authored more than 250 scholarly publications and presentations, including peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers and presentations. During his tenure at Missouri S&T, he has received the Faculty Service Award, Faculty Excellence Award and Faculty Research Award, among other honors.