New faculty spotlight: Isaac Hong

Eleven new faculty members start their careers in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in the 2022-2023 academic year. One of these new faculty is Isaac Hong, who will be an Assistant Research Professor beginning autumn semester 2022.

Hong grew up in Dayton, Ohio, and as a kid, loved to tinker and take things apart to learn how they worked. He learned about engineering as a route for education and a career path and knew right then and there that it was meant for him.

He received his B.S, M.S and Ph.D. from Ohio State and worked his way up to his current position after beginning as an undergraduate research assistant in MAE.

“When I was a prospective student, I was enthralled with the campus atmosphere and opportunities,” Hong said. “I stayed because I find continual enjoyment through the people and things to do here.”

Hong’s research focuses on durability aspects and condition monitoring of gears and powertrain elements. He develops ways to measure and characterize multi-faceted fatigue performance under the very-high cycle fatigue requirements of modern-day machinery.

“These allow powertrain designers to ensure their products are safe for long service lives,” Hong said. “My data is in cars, industrial machinery, and airplanes to ensure that the engines that keep passengers and workers safe continue to function without interruption and with high reliability.”

His research goal is to develop advanced systems which allow for reliable metrics to be continuously monitored in critical powertrain systems to help ensure the safety of passengers. Additionally, he aims to help develop the next generation of high-speed electric vehicle drivetrains for affordable and reliable sustainable energy transportation.

Hong highlighted the cohort of new faculty that he has met thus far for all being engaging, positive people and who are all excited to be here. He looks forward to seeing the research and impact that they will have on world.

He also highlighted how much he appreciates being where he is now.

“I hope to engage and train the next generation of engineers in mechanical powertrain systems,” he said. “This is a dream opportunity. It represents a step in a career path that a younger me considered out of reach.”