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Stillwater, OK
Dr. Hitesh Vora, associate professor in the Division of Engineering Technology in the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology (CEAT) at Oklahoma State University, has been recognized with the prestigious Emerging Manufacturing Leaders Award. The award was presented during a luncheon at Tulsa Technology Center on Thursday, Feb. 27, celebrating his contributions to the manufacturing industry in Oklahoma.
“Receiving the Emerging Manufacturing Leaders Award is a tremendous honor. Manufacturing plays a crucial role in driving economic growth, innovation, and workforce development,” Vora said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this industry by empowering students, fostering sustainable practices, and collaborating with industry partners to enhance energy efficiency and operational excellence. This recognition reaffirms my commitment to advancing manufacturing and preparing the next generation of professionals to lead with innovation and sustainability.”
The Emerging Manufacturing Leaders Award honors individuals who have made a significant impact on the manufacturing industry in the state.
Vora currently leads the Energy Efficiency Hub at the OSU, which includes multiple federally and state-funded centers: Industrial Training and Assessment Center (ITAC), Great Plains Center of Excellence (GPCoE) and the Rural Energy Assessment Center.
To help drive the future of manufacturing, Vora has played a pivotal role in strengthening the manufacturing sector through technical expertise, workforce development, and sustainable solutions.
Technical Assistance & Cost Savings: Through tailored energy-efficiency recommendations, Dr. Vora has helped manufacturers improve operations, saving over $137 million (14.79 TBtu) in recommended cost savings. Under his leadership, OSU ITAC has achieved key national milestones in industrial assessments.
Workforce Development: Addressing the skilled labor shortage, Dr. Vora has trained over 259 students, with 106 earning DOE ITAC certificates. His graduates secure roles in top manufacturing firms, and his initiatives integrate smart manufacturing and automation into education.
Innovation in Smart & Sustainable Manufacturing: By incorporating IoT, automation, and advanced analytics, Dr. Vora has guided manufacturers toward data-driven, energy-efficient operations and making them ready for Industry 5.0 implementation.
Industry & Government Collaboration: He has fostered partnerships with utility companies, state agencies, and economic development organizations, aligning efforts for a broader impact.
Significant Impact & ROI: OSU ITAC has saved manufacturers $137.58 million with an 11.46x return on investment on tax-payers money, operating at no direct cost to industries while benefiting students, businesses, and the economy.
Notable Achievements: Dr. Vora has secured over $12.8 million in research funding, received prestigious awards (e.g., Jim and Lynne Williams Professorship, Land-Grant Award), published 40+ journal articles, and led OSU’s $7 million Great Plains Center of Excellence initiative.
Dr. Vora earned his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology from the University of North Texas (UNT) in 2008 and his Ph.D. in Materials Science from UNT in 2013. He also holds a diploma in Production Engineering from Agnel Technical College in Mumbai (2002) and a Bachelor of Engineering in Production Engineering from the University of Mumbai (2005). He joined CEAT as an assistant professor in 2015 and has served as an associate professor since 2021.
