Keng Hsu

Growing up in a machine shop, it’s no surprise that Keng Hsu ended up pursuing a career in engineering. His taste in television also helped.

“At the age of 12, seeing and imagining how the ‘Replicator’ on Star Trek could change how things were made was like adding fuel to the fire,” Hsu says.

His curiosities eventually led him to the advanced manufacturing field where he could combine his interests in technology, education and entrepreneurship. Hsu became an expert in materials processing and process sciences — subjects he enjoys teaching.

The first course he will teach at Arizona State University is Introduction to Materials and Manufacturing where he expects his students to lead active discussions. In the coming semesters, he also looks forward to teaching materials processing, manufacturing processes and a mechanics class.

Along with teaching, Hsu is eager to continue his advanced manufacturing research at the School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks, one of the seven Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at ASU.

“The formation of the School of Manufacturing Systems and Network, its emphasis on advanced manufacturing research and education and the exploding advanced manufacturing industry in Arizona, all make ASU the optimal place to generate large-scale, long-lasting impacts in the field,” Hsu says.

He plans to make these impacts using his breadth of experience paired with meaningful industry and faculty collaborations that will enable him to take a technology concept in its research phase to engineering and development and finally to product commercialization. 

In his new role, Hsu says he is most excited to, “build an ecosystem of expertise, resources and passionate people to advance manufacturing technology inventions, development and translation.”

When he isn’t exploring new ways to advance his field, Hsu enjoys playing golf and says he was tasked with a major life decision at 18 years old — to play professional golf or become an engineer.

“I guess the ‘Replicator’ won,” Hsu says. “Until a ‘Replicator,’ or at least a simpler vision of it is demonstrated and put to use, my pursuits in advanced manufacturing will live long and prosper!”

Meet the newest faculty members of the Fulton Schools of Engineering here.

Written by Sona Srinarayana