The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has elected Johné Parker, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering and associate dean for access and community engagement, as an ASME Fellow in recognition of her exceptional engineering achievements and contributions to the engineering profession and to ASME. Parker is one of only 3,384 Fellows out of nearly 69,231 ASME members and one of only 23 worldwide conferred the grade of Fellow in 2026.
ASME Fellow is one of the society’s highest honors, recognizing members with exceptional engineering achievements and contributions to the profession. Fellows are nominated by peers and evaluated by the ASME Committee of Past Presidents for their impact on engineering practice, education, research and service.
Parker has served on the University of Kentucky faculty since 1996, and her work focuses on expanding access to science, technology engineering and math (STEM) education, mentoring future engineers and strengthening pathways to graduate study and professional careers. Parker has led initiatives that support student success and broaden participation in engineering.
A cornerstone of her efforts is her leadership in the Kentucky‑West Virginia Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, an initiative supported by the National Science Foundation. Since 2006, Parker has served as lead co-principal investigator or co-principal investigator on successive grants totaling more than $7 million. The program spans ten institutions across Kentucky and West Virginia and provides stipends, research opportunities, mentorship and professional development for undergraduate and postbaccalaureate students from historically underrepresented backgrounds in STEM.
Through these efforts, the Kentucky‑West Virginia Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation has helped thousands of students complete STEM degrees and pursue advanced study. Students consistently describe the program as a transformative experience that builds confidence and community. Participants credit the program with helping them persist in STEM fields, gain research experience and prepare for leadership in engineering and science.
Beyond her work with the Kentucky‑West Virginia Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, Parker has played an active role in developing future engineering leaders through ASME programs such as the Volunteer Orientation and Leadership Training Academy and the Early Career Leadership Intern Program to Serve Engineering. She has also mentored emerging professionals and contributed to national initiatives focused on engineering leadership and workforce readiness.
Parker’s professional service includes leadership roles across ASME committees and programs over the past two decades. She has supported public policy engagement, volunteer leadership development and mentoring initiatives within the society. Earlier in her career, Parker served as an ASME Federal Fellow in the office of former U.S. Sen. Byron Dorgan, where she provided expertise on defense appropriations and technology policy.
She has also contributed to improving engineering education nationally as a program evaluator for the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, conducting accreditation reviews of mechanical engineering programs across the United States.
Parker’s election to ASME recognizes her scholarship, innovative program development and excellence in teaching. Through these efforts, she has helped shape engineering education, create pathways for success and broadened participation in STEM education and careers.
