Azer Yalin

Azer Yalin

Professor, Mechanical Engineering

Director, CSU Center for Laser Sensing and Diagnostics

Director, CSU NASA Space Grant Program

Dr. Yalin joined the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Colorado State University (CSU) in 2002 and is currently a Full Professor.

He received his undergraduate degree in Engineering Physics from Queen’s University in 1995, his MA and PhD degrees from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Princeton University in 1997 and 2000 respectively, and held a post-doctoral position at Stanford University from 2000-2002.

At CSU, he serves as the Director of the Center for Laser Sensing and Diagnostics which includes approximately 10 students researchers. He is also the Director of the CSU NASA Space Grant program.

Research Interests

  • Laser Diagnostics of Plasma, Combustion, Gases

  • Electric Propulsion

  • Laser Induced Plasmas and Their Use for Combustion

  • Trace-Gas Measurements in The Atmosphere (e.g., H2, CH4, NH3)

  • Laser Sensing for Security, Environmental, and Health Applications

Education

  • Ph.D. 2000, Princeton University—Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
  • M.A. 1997, Princeton University—Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
  • B.S. 1995, Queen’s University—Engineering Physics

Honors and Awards

  • 2025, Educator of the Year Award (College/University), Rocky Mountain Section of AIAA
  • 2023, Walter Lempert Best Student Paper Award (co-author) – Honorable Mention.
  • 2022, Journal Highlight: American Association for Aerosol Research (AAAR)
  • 2019, AIAA Plasmadynamics and Lasers Best Paper Award
  • 2016, AIAA Best Plasmadynamics and Lasers Student Paper Award (co-author)
  • 2015, Senior Member, Optical Society of America
  • 2014, Associate Fellow, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
  • 2014, Bronze Educational Award – Edmund Optics
  • 2012, George T. Abell Outstanding Teaching & Service Faculty Award
  • 2011, Oliver R. Pennock Service Award, Colorado State University
  • 2009, Cover Article for Applied Spectroscopy
  • 2009, Best Poster – 2009 Society of Vacuum Coaters TechCon.
  • 2009, SAE Ralph R. Teetor Educational Award (Aerospace Program)
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