The ISE Department is excited to welcome Jake Peloquin and Gal Mendelson. In fact, these two new faculty members are already using artificial intelligence (AI) to address some of engineering’s biggest challenges. Moreover, their work ranges from designing stronger materials to creating more sustainable energy systems. As a result, they highlight ISE’s leadership at the intersection of people, technology, and impact.

Designing the Materials of Tomorrow

Jake Peloquin recently completed his Ph.D. and is already making waves in advanced manufacturing. In particular, his research combines AI with materials science to design lighter, stronger, and more reliable materials. Furthermore, these innovations have real-world applications in aerospace, medical devices, and energy systems.

“AI can help us design new materials in two main ways,” Peloquin explained. “First, it can identify promising recipes or formulas for materials that improve properties like strength, toughness, or durability. Second, it can help us fine-tune the way these materials are manufactured, making it easier to scale from small laboratory experiments to consistent, high-quality production.”

Attracted to NC State’s mission as a land-grant university, Peloquin shared why he chose ISE. “NC State is a land-grant university, and I feel a strong connection with its mission to serve students and promote well-being locally in North Carolina and on a national and global scale. The department’s breadth, spanning operations research, optimization, and manufacturing, creates a collaborative environment that is difficult to find in more traditional departments, making it an ideal place to grow my research and teaching.”

In addition, teaching and mentoring are key parts of his motivation. “Looking back, I realize the people who most inspired me were my professors, and I wanted to have that same impact on others. At NC State, I’m excited to continue that tradition, helping students discover their passion for engineering while building a research program that advances how we design and manufacture new materials.”

Making Technology More Sustainable

Gal Mendelson focuses his research on making industries and data centers more efficient at a time when energy use is a global concern. By applying AI to the energy revolution, he is developing smarter systems for everything from home batteries paired with solar panels to green data centers powered by hydrogen storage.“We are living through two major revolutions in artificial intelligence and energy,” Mendelson said. “Both are transforming our world, and many of the biggest challenges emerge at their intersection. AI will continue to grow, and it requires enormous amounts of energy. I feel a responsibility to help ensure this growth happens as efficiently and sustainably as possible.”

In addition, he sees his role as both research and inspiration. “I see my research contributing in two ways. First, through the research itself, by advancing our understanding of complex systems and developing solutions for emerging technologies that support sustainable energy use. Second, through the people I work with — colleagues, students, and industry partners — I hope my passion for energy and sustainability is contagious, inspiring others to care more deeply and take action in this area.”

Mendelson highlighted the ISE culture when asked what drew him to NC State. “I was looking for an academic home where I can truly be myself, a place that values fundamental operations research while encouraging connections between theory and practice. I wanted a department emphasizing teaching, mentoring and outreach, where collaboration and support are part of the culture. NC State ISE embodies all these qualities, making it the right place for me.”

Shaping the Future of ISE

Together, Peloquin and Mendelson represent the next wave of ISE innovation. Specifically, their research in AI-driven manufacturing and sustainable energy reflects the department’s mission to serve students, advance knowledge, and make a difference locally and globally.

“I’m honored and grateful to be of service to the ISE Department, the College of Engineering, NC State University, and the state of North Carolina,” Mendelson said.

Finally, the ISE community is proud to welcome them both. The department looks forward to the impact they will have in the classroom, in their research, and in shaping a better future.