Distinguished Maine Professor
Dr. Mohamad Musavi, Senior Associate Dean and Professor in the Maine College of Engineering and Computing at the University of Maine, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Distinguished Maine Professor award. Presented by the University of Maine Alumni Association since 1963, the honor recognizes a faculty member who exemplifies the highest standards of teaching, research, and public service and is widely regarded as the university’s most prestigious faculty award.
An internationally recognized scholar, educator, and academic leader, Musavi’s career at UMaine spans more than 40 years of sustained excellence. As a professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, he has played a transformative role in advancing engineering and computing education while significantly strengthening the university’s research profile at both the state and national levels.
Musavi’s scholarly work spans artificial intelligence, neural networks, smart grid and power systems, robotics, computer vision, and STEM education. He has served as principal or co-principal investigator on more than 50 externally funded research projects, securing nearly $13 million in support from organizations such as the National Science Foundation, NASA, and the U.S. Department of Energy, along with numerous industry partners. His research contributions include an extensive publication record with more than 2,600 citations and an h-index of 22, reflecting the lasting influence of his work.
Equally impactful as an educator and mentor, Musavi has developed numerous undergraduate and graduate courses and founded multiple laboratories that provide hands-on learning opportunities. His commitment to inclusive and innovative STEM education is highlighted by an NSF-funded pathway program that has earned national recognition and replication beyond Maine.