2026 O’Donnell Award in Engineering: Bilal Akin, Ph.D.
Groundbreaking electrical engineer Bilal Akin, Ph.D., Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at The University of Texas at Dallas, is the recipient of the 2026 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Award in Engineering from TAMEST. He was chosen for his cutting-edge advancement of sustainable and high-efficiency energy conversion systems for electric vehicles (EVs) and industrial automation.
Dr. Akin’s research focuses on making power electronics systems more efficient, reliable and sustainable, with major impacts on EVs, factories and energy infrastructure. He has developed significant and innovative contributions to the field of power electronics diagnostics and failure monitoring, developing novel approaches that enable early warnings and enhance system safety – methods now adopted worldwide.
He has collaborated with major industry leaders such as Texas Instruments (semiconductors), SLB (oil & gas) and Nexteer (automotive) on more than 40 research projects, translating innovative ideas into real-world technologies. For example, his tools for oil well applications have been deployed at hundreds of sites and have earned five technology awards. His work continues to shape the future of energy and transportation.
“Dr. Akin’s unique ability to translate high-level research into solutions with global industrial relevance is what sets him apart,” said nominator Inga H. Musselman, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at The University of Texas at Dallas. “His interdisciplinary work has helped to create safer, smarter and more energy-efficient technologies across multiple sectors and he is helping to move the needle forward on the prevalence of EV options around the world.”
Dr. Akin is one of five Texas-based researchers receiving the TAMEST 2026 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards. Recipients are chosen for their individual contributions addressing the essential role that science and technology play in society, and whose work meets the highest standards of exemplary professional performance, creativity and resourcefulness.
Dr. Akin will be recognized at the 2026 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, and will give a presentation on his research preceding the award ceremony at the TAMEST 2026 Annual Conference: Pioneering Climate Innovations in San Antonio, Texas, at the Kimpton Santo Hotel.
About the O’Donnell Awards:The Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards annually recognize rising star Texas researchers who are addressing the essential role that science and technology play in society, and whose work meets the highest standards of exemplary professional performance, creativity and resourcefulness.
Nominations for the 2027 Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards will open Tuesday, January 20, 2026, and close Monday, March 30, 2026, at 6 p.m. CT.
The Edith and Peter O’Donnell Awards are made possible by the O’Donnell Awards Endowment, established in 2005 through the generous support of several individuals and organizations. View a full list of supporters here.
TAMEST was co-founded in 2004 by the Honorable Kay Bailey Hutchison and Nobel Laureates Michael S. Brown, M.D., and Richard E. Smalley, Ph.D. With more than 355 members, eight Nobel Laureates and 23 member institutions, TAMEST is composed of the Texas-based members of the three National Academies (National Academy of Medicine, National Academy of Engineering and National Academy of Sciences) and other honorific organizations. We bring together the state’s brightest minds in medicine, engineering, science and technology to foster collaboration, and to advance research, innovation and business in Texas.
TAMEST’s unique interdisciplinary model has become an effective recruitment tool for top research and development centers across Texas. Since our founding, more than 325 TAMEST members have been inducted into the National Academies or relocated to Texas.