Ola Harrysson is changing how the world builds—from custom medical implants to next-gen aerospace parts. Now, NC State is celebrating his impact with one of its highest honors: the 2024-2025 Alumni Distinguished Graduate Professorship, awarded for excellence in graduate teaching and mentorship.
Julie Swann, head of the ISE Department, didn’t hold back her praise. “Ola is a pillar of research strength for the ISE department, the College of Engineering and all of NC State,” she said. She added, “The value Ola brings for graduate education at NC State is truly extraordinary.”
This honor is rare. Only five ISE faculty members have received it in the award’s 42-year history. Even more impressive—Harrysson is the first ISE recipient since 2008. His work has redefined what’s possible in engineering research and education.
He was the first academic to use Electron Beam Melting, a type of metal 3D printing. That decision changed everything. Thanks to his early vision, industries like medicine, aerospace and defense now rely on 3D printing to solve real problems. His lab helped create custom metal implants and new metal alloys, tools now used worldwide.
However, Harrysson hasn’t just focused on innovation—he’s built a legacy of people. He has mentored over 100 graduate students and more than 100 undergraduates. As a result, his students have gone on to lead key efforts at Amazon, Microsoft and startup companies. Some even built tools for custom medical implants based on what they learned from him.
Even more, he founded the Center for Additive Manufacturing and Logistics (CAMAL). CAMAL brings together engineers, students, companies and national labs. Today, it partners with over 15 companies and government labs like Oakridge and Sandia. Because of Harrysson’s leadership, CAMAL has become a hub for real-world innovation in advanced manufacturing.
Harrysson received the award at the University Teaching Awards Luncheon on April 17. Along with the title, he received a $4,000 prize. He will hold the title for as long as he remains on faculty at NC State.
From cutting-edge research to life-changing mentorship, Ola Harrysson continues to shape the future of engineering—one student and one idea at a time.