Title: Assistant Research Professor
Company: University of Maryland
Location: Gaithersburg, Maryland, United States
Michael Kio, PhD, assistant research professor at the University of Maryland, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Engineers for dedication, achievements, and leadership in aerospace engineering and education.
Serving as an assistant research professor at the University of Maryland since 2022, Dr. Kio has helped develop the institution’s aerospace and biomedical research and teaches a graduate-level thermodynamics course. Prior to his current role, he contributed from 2015 to 2023 as a consultant on a wide variety of projects, including through the World Bank Group. Dr. Kio previously gained experience as an innovative entrepreneurial research fellow at the National Science Foundation, an entrepreneurial lead at I-Corps, and a principal investigator at Cranenano LLC. Beginning in 2005, he dedicated 10 years to his role as a consultant head for engineering and space systems at the National Space Research and Development Agency, the national space agency of Nigeria, where he worked in collaboration with scientists from the United Kingdom, China and Africa. Dr. Kio’s professional life started in 2000 as a principal consultant for Jacinth International. He received a Congressional Recognition Certificate in 2023 and was made a distinguished fellow of the Institute of Engineering and Technology in 2017, both of which he considers amongst his greatest achievements.
Prior to embarking upon his professional journey, Dr. Kio built a strong academic foundation for his future, including professional engineer certification in communication satellite systems engineering from the China Academy of Space Technology in 2007. In 2010, he graduated with distinction from the Federal University of Technology, Minna in Nigeria, obtaining a master’s degree in engineering. Subsequently, Dr. Kio earned a PhD in aerospace engineering from Cranfield University in 2015. He went on to complete postdoctoral research training at the University of Maryland, leading directly into his current position at the institution. Dr. Kio has solidified his credentials with such certifications as professional engineer through the National Society of Professional Engineers, chartered engineer in the United Kingdom through the Engineering Council, project management professional through the Project Management Institute, and professional engineer through the Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses. He has also contributed to many publications related to his research and was granted his first United States patent in 2020.
In addition to his career, Dr. Kio is a dedicated husband and a loving father to one son and one daughter. When he’s not doing research or teaching, he spends his time swimming, snorkeling, reading, playing golf, cycling and hiking. Moving forward, Dr. Kio is committed to further establishing himself within the world of academia. He hopes to deliver more groundbreaking research in his field. Alongside that goal, Dr. Kio aims to support and mentor his students, leading them to success as well.
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