Honoring Emeritus Professor Lawrence Yao

Abstract

This editorial honors Emeritus Professor Lawrence Yao, celebrating his remarkable career and lasting impact on laser-based manufacturing and materials processing. After 30 years at Columbia University, where he directed the Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory and chaired the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Professor Yao's pioneering research has transformed our understanding of laser-matter interactions. His contributions to laser-assisted shaping, joining, and surface modification have driven innovations across aerospace, biomedical, and industrial applications. As Editor-in-Chief of JMSE for 10 years, he elevated the journal's influence, fostering cutting-edge scholarship. The special issue on advanced laser materials processing published two months ago showcases research inspired by his visionary work, covering advancements in advanced laser materials processing, and hybrid laser manufacturing techniques, and AI-driven process optimization. Professor Yao's mentorship has shaped a new generation of researchers, leaving a profound legacy in both academia and industry. This collection stands as a tribute to his enduring influence and the transformative potential of laser materials processing.