UT Dallas Professor Bruce Gnade Elected to National Academy of Engineering

RICHARDSON, Texas – February 13, 2026 – Dr. Bruce Gnade, a distinguished researcher and professor emeritus at The University of Texas at Dallas, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), a distinction considered among the highest honors in the engineering profession. The election, announced on February 10, recognizes Gnade's lifelong contributions to the advancement of electronic materials and semiconductor device technologies.

Gnade joins the NAE's Class of 2026, an esteemed group of 158 new members. Election to the academy is a rigorous, peer-reviewed process that honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to engineering research, practice, or education. For Gnade, it is the culmination of a career that has spanned industry, government, and academia, marked by pioneering work in materials science.

"I am deeply honored by this recognition from the National Academy of Engineering," Gnade said. "This achievement results from years of collaboration with talented students, colleagues and partners who I've been fortunate to work with."

The honor not only celebrates Gnade's individual achievements but also casts a spotlight on UT Dallas as a burgeoning hub for technological research and development. "This honor is a powerful affirmation of Bruce's extraordinary leadership, vision and impact on engineering, particularly in the field of flexible electronics," said UT Dallas President Prabhas V. Moghe. "This recognition not only brings great pride to our university, but also highlights the exceptional caliber of our work at UT Dallas."

A Legacy of Innovation

Dr. Gnade's NAE citation for his work on electronic materials and semiconductor devices encompasses a vast and impactful body of research. With a portfolio of over 70 U.S. patents and more than 200 refereed journal papers, his career is a map of modern materials science advancement. His work has been particularly influential in the realm of flexible electronics, where he developed novel processes for fabricating circuits on pliable, low-temperature substrates. This research has been instrumental in creating technologies like flexible CMOS circuits, which are foundational for the next wave of wearable and conformable electronic devices.

Beyond flexible substrates, Gnade's research has touched upon a wide array of critical technologies. He has made significant contributions to the development of Organic Light-Emitting Diodes (OLEDs), nonvolatile memory based on ferroelectric polymers, and advanced energy harvesting systems. One project focused on creating thin-film cantilevers capable of capturing vibrational energy to power remote sensors, a key technology for the expanding Internet of Things (IoT). His interdisciplinary mindset is evident in collaborations with surgeons to develop novel nanocomposite particles to aid in medical procedures, demonstrating a commitment to applying fundamental science to solve real-world problems.

Before returning to UT Dallas in 2022, Gnade held leadership positions at Texas Instruments and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), where he helped guide the nation's technological frontier. He previously served as UT Dallas's vice president for research from 2005 to 2016 and is a fellow of the American Physical Society, the IEEE, and the National Academy of Inventors.

The North Texas Semiconductor Nexus

With his election, Gnade becomes the fifth NAE member affiliated with UT Dallas, a significant milestone that underscores the university's growing stature. The prestige of NAE membership is immense; members are senior professionals who provide independent advice to the nation on matters of engineering and technology. Gnade's inclusion in this elite group reinforces the university's position as a leader in critical research areas.

His current role as director of workforce development at the North Texas Semiconductor Institute (NTxSI) places him at the center of one of the nation's most pressing economic and security challenges: the semiconductor talent pipeline. The institute was established to bolster the region's semiconductor ecosystem, a mission that has gained urgency with massive new investments in domestic chip manufacturing.

"The semiconductor industry plays such a big part in North Texas," Gnade noted. "UT Dallas has the opportunity to help industry thrive."

Dr. Joseph Pancrazio, vice president for research and innovation at UT Dallas, celebrated the news. "Dr. Bruce Gnade's election to the National Academy of Engineering is a tremendous honor and a powerful affirmation of his extraordinary leadership, vision and impact on engineering, particularly in the flexible electronics area," he said. "I am delighted for my colleague, who is also a friend and mentor, for this well-deserved recognition by one of the nation's most prestigious academies."

Building the Workforce for Tomorrow's Chips

The timing of Gnade's focus on workforce development could not be more critical. The U.S. semiconductor industry is facing a severe talent shortage, with estimates suggesting a gap of nearly 70,000 workers by the end of the decade. The 2022 CHIPS and Science Act is funneling billions into building new fabrication plants, but these facilities will remain idle without a new generation of skilled engineers and technicians.

This is the challenge Gnade and the NTxSI are tackling head-on. Their work involves creating educational pathways for high school and college students, informing them about the high-tech, high-paying careers available in the semiconductor industry. The institute's mission extends beyond the classroom, fostering collaboration with industry giants and supporting startups to ensure the North Texas region remains a competitive force in the global technology landscape.

Gnade's transition from a career focused on pioneering new materials to one dedicated to cultivating the next generation of innovators reflects a deep understanding of the technology lifecycle. Innovation is not sustained by research alone; it requires a continuous and dedicated effort to train the people who will carry it forward. His work at the institute aims to ensure that the advancements he and his peers have made will be built upon for decades to come, securing America's technological leadership in a vital industry.