TSI Endows Mechanical Engineering Chair at University of Minnesota

Shoreview, MN—TSI Incorporated has entered into an agreement with the University of Minnesota Foundation and Regents to endow a fund establishing a Chair in the Mechanical Engineering Department. The Benjamin Y.H. Liu - TSI Applied Technology Chair in Mechanical Engineering recognizes University alumnus Dr. Benjamin Liu. Dr. Liu is an award-winning researcher and entrepreneur who has dedicated his career to aerosols and particles research.

"It is a great honor for us to be able to endow a second Chair at the University of Minnesota," said TSI President Tom Kennedy. "The U of M is inseparable from our history. Since alumnus Leroy Fingerson co-founded our company back in 1961, we have collaborated with the University on countless projects, funding a first endowed Chair in 1998 to honor Dr. Fingerson and the contributions of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. This new Chair further reinforces our long-standing relationship." 

"We have had the privilege of working closely with Dr. Liu and his company, MSP Corporation, for many years. Ben and the MSP team developed new and innovative products that solve commercial, scientific, and medical problems related to aerosols and particles. In 2016, our two companies came together officially and since then, we have had many opportunities to learn and benefit from Dr. Liu's accomplishments and leadership. We are delighted to collaborate with the University to honor an extraordinary scientist, engineer, and educator."

The Benjamin Y.H. Liu - TSI Applied Technology Chair in Mechanical Engineering

The stated purpose of the Chair is "to assist the University in recruiting, supporting, and retaining outstanding faculty members in the College of Science and Engineering." As tribute to Dr. Liu, TSI requested that the Chair support faculty "whose research demonstrates the potential for commercialization." 

University of Minnesota and TSI leaders signed the agreement to fund the Liu - TSI Chair on February 13, 2018. Interested donors can also contribute to the Liu - TSI Chair by contacting the University of Minnesota Foundation.

More about Dr. Liu

Dr. Liu is the recipient of numerous honors and accolades, including:  

• Regents' Professorship, the highest academic honor given to University of Minnesota faculty
• Elected to the National Academy of Engineering
• Fuchs Memorial Award, the highest recognition in the aerosol field
• Distinguished Engineer Award of the Minnesota Society of Professional Engineers and the Minnesota Federation of Engineering Society
• Lifetime Achievement Award of the American Filtration and Separation Society

In 2002, the American Association for Aerosol Research established the Benjamin Y.H. Liu Award. This award annually recognizes "outstanding contributions to aerosol instrumentation and experimental techniques that have significantly advanced the science and technology of aerosols."