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The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has elected Thomas D. Hedberg Jr., Ph.D., associate director for education programs at the Institute for Systems Research, to the rank of ASME Fellow. This prestigious distinction recognizes Dr. Hedberg’s pioneering achievements in digital engineering, model-based enterprise (MBE), and smart manufacturing.
ASME Fellowship is a recognition reserved for members with exceptional engineering accomplishments and contributions to the profession. Of the organization’s 70,000 members worldwide, fewer than five percent hold this grade.
Dr. Hedberg’s election highlights a career marked by innovation and leadership at the intersection of engineering systems and manufacturing. At the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), he led the Model-Based Enterprise program, advancing the use of digital threads to link data across the product lifecycle. His co-leadership of the NIST Smart Manufacturing Systems Test Bed earned him the U.S. Department of Commerce Gold Medal, the agency’s highest award.
As Founding Chair of the ASME MBE Standards Committee, Dr. Hedberg has shaped critical updates to national and international codes and standards for model-based practices. His work has accelerated the adoption of interoperable, efficient digital solutions across the manufacturing sector.
According to the nomination submitted in support of his election, Dr. Hedberg has made pioneering contributions to research and development in digital engineering and model-based enterprise (MBE), significantly advancing smart manufacturing and interoperability across product lifecycles. As a leader in the engineering profession, he co-led the NIST Smart Manufacturing Systems Test Bed, earning the Department of Commerce Gold Medal. His expertise has shaped industry standards as Founding Chair of the ASME MBE Standards Committee, driving critical updates to ASME standards and codes for MBE practices. Dr. Hedberg’s work has transformed engineering practices, promoting innovation, and creating a lasting impact on manufacturing efficiency and digital integration.
At ISR, Dr. Hedberg leads initiatives that integrate cutting-edge research with workforce development. His efforts prepare future engineers to lead in a rapidly evolving digital economy and reinforce ISR’s commitment to systems thinking, technical leadership, and industry partnership.
“Being recognized as an ASME Fellow is an incredible honor,” Hedberg said. “This milestone reflects the collaboration and mentorship I’ve received throughout my career, and it reaffirms my commitment to advancing engineering for the public good.”
Dr. Hedberg joins a distinguished group of ISR-affiliated faculty who have received fellow status from leading professional societies. His election further elevates ISR’s role in shaping next-generation engineering standards and practices.
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November 12, 2025
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