The National Academy of Engineering has elected Michael L. King, a professor of practice in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science, to its Class of 2026. Election to the NAE is among the highest professional honors in engineering, recognizing individuals whose work has made lasting contributions to research, education, and the advancement of technology for the benefit of society.
King is recognized for seminal contributions to transport phenomena and biomedical engineering, as well as enduring leadership in engineering education and public engagement. His work has deepened fundamental understanding of particle transport, adhesion, and aerosol behavior in biological systems, informing advances across biomedical applications, public health, and environmental engineering.
King’s leadership extends beyond academia into global public health efforts. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he played a critical role working with the Gates Foundation and international partners to facilitate vaccine development and equitable distribution through initiatives such as COVAX , helping connect vaccine developers with global manufacturing capacity and regulatory partners. UVA engineers and alumni, including King, have been central to the pandemic response, contributing expertise in vaccine science, process development and public health impact.
King came to UVA in 2007 as The Brenton S. Halsey Distinguished Visiting Professor after a 32-year career at Merck and Co, Inc., where he retired as senior Vice President and advisor to the chairman, president and CEO. At the end of that appointment, he continued as a lecturer at UVA and was appointed professor of practice in 2013.
Beyond his scholarly impact, King is widely respected for his dedication to engineering education and mentorship. His work exemplifies UVA Engineering’s mission to couple rigorous research with deep societal impact.
“Michael L. King’s election to the National Academy of Engineering is an extraordinary recognition of a career defined by intellectual leadership, service and impact,” said Jennifer L. West, dean of the School of Engineering and a member of the National Academy of Engineering.
Election to the NAE follows a rigorous peer-review and election process conducted by current Academy members. King will be formally inducted at the academy’s annual meeting in October.
King, who earned his Master of Science at UVA, will be inducted with another UVA alumnus, Anne Aunins. Aunins also made her contributions in the pharmaceutical industry, as did three other recent inductees who earned their Ph.D.s at UVA — Paul Mensah , NAE Class of 2022, and Shailendra V. Bordawekar and Jose E. Tabora from last year’s class.