Pinar Acar, assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, has been recognized as one of Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World, a global award given annually by Junior Chamber International  (JCI) Istanbul, celebrating the achievements of ten inspiring individuals who excel in their fields. Of the ten categories for which one person is chosen, Acar was the recipient of the award in Academic Leadership and/or Accomplishment. She was presented with an award at the chamber's December 12 gala.

Acar has been a member of the Virginia Tech community since 2018, receiving both the NSF Career Award and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research Young Investigator Award. Her nomination for this award was anonymous.

"We are honored to call Dr. Acar a colleague, and her research has been robust since her time in Blacksburg," said Interim Department Head Brian Lattimer. "Her innovation and ingenuity has been recognized widely, and this honor shows her as a true leader on the global stage."

Since 1983, JCI has honoured over 200 individuals from 47 nations. Past recipients of national awards include such well-known personalities as John F. Kennedy, Henry Kissinger, Elvis Presley, Jackie Chan, Wayne Gretzky and many more, all named before they had achieved national prominence.