Professor Azad Madni has been selected as an International Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE), joining an elite group of engineers recognized for their outstanding contributions and strategic leadership in addressing issues of global significance.
As Northrop Grumman Foundation Fred O’Green Chair in Engineering, and University Professor at USC Viterbi‘s Department of Astronautical Engineering, Department of Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering, and the USC Rossier School of Education, Madni’s work as a researcher and educator encompasses multiple fields – an approach to networked, multi-disciplinary practice that has defined his career.
Madni serves as the director of USC’s Systems Architecting and Engineering Program; his key areas of research include transdisciplinary and model-based systems engineering methods for realizing intelligent cyber-physical-human systems (such as autonomous vehicles, smart manufacturing, and outcome-driven health care), interactive storytelling in virtual worlds, and augmented intelligence in adaptive human-machine teaming. Professor Madni defined the field of transdisciplinary systems engineering and is the creator of TRASEE™, a transdisciplinary engineering education paradigm that fosters out-of-the-box thinking while enhancing retention and recall of concepts and facts through innovative storytelling and role-playing approaches.
Madni is the recipient of multiple honors. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) and holds the NAE’s highest honor, the Bernard M. Gordon Prize. His other major distinctions include: the Simon Ramo Medal (IEEE), the ASME Spirit of St. Louis Medal, Honorary Fellow of the AIAA, Honorary Member of ASME, in addition to fellowships from several other professional academies and societies.
As a CAE Fellow, Madni is one of 56 highly accomplished engineers from around the world who were selected for this year’s award. Among other activities, CAE provides strategic advice to the Canadian government on engineering-related topics; CAE Fellows are committed to ensuring that Canada’s engineering expertise and experience are applied to the benefit of all Canadians.
Reflecting on the election, Professor Madni stated: “I am deeply honored to be elected Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering. The CAE represents a standard of excellence and a commitment to service that I have long admired. I look forward to continuing my collaboration with my esteemed colleagues in Canada to address the complex challenges facing our world today.”
“This recognition is a testament to Professor Madni’s pioneering advances and the impact of his research on the global community,” said Yannis C. Yortsos, Dean of the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. “His work continues to shape the future of systems engineering and engineering education.”
“I am delighted to welcome the new Fellows to the Academy whose impressive accomplishments and leadership in their respective fields have significantly advanced engineering in both Canada and around the world,” said CAE President Catherine Karakatsanis. “Their outstanding contributions and dedication to excellence serve as an inspiration to us all.”
A formal induction ceremony will be held on June 1 in Edmonton, Alberta.
Published on May 20th, 2026
Last updated on May 20th, 2026