Shima Shahab, associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, has been selected as a 2026-2027 Executive Leadership in Academic Technology, Engineering and Science (ELATES) Fellow, a national leadership development program designed to promote senior faculty in leadership for academic engineering, computer science, and other STEM fields into effective institutional leadership roles within their schools and universities.

Shahab has been recognized for both her research excellence and academic leadership. She has been selected as a Dean's Fellow in Virginia Tech's College of Engineering, named an Emerging Leader in Smart Materials and Structures by IOP Science in 2024, and most recently chosen for Virginia Tech's 2026–27 Leading in Place Cohort, a competitive leadership development program for faculty with demonstrated leadership potential. She directs the Multiphysics Intelligent and Dynamical Systems (MInDS) Laboratory, serves in university and national leadership roles, and conducts pioneering work in acoustic holography. Her research has inspired interdisciplinary collaborations spanning engineering, medicine, materials science, and even the performing arts. The Leading in Place Cohort is part of Virginia Tech's Provost's Leadership Development Program and prepares faculty to lead through strategic thinking, collaboration, and institutional engagement. 

"Our planet needs leaders who make an impact in people’s lives,” Shahab said. "ELATES is a hands-on, experiential leadership program that aims to train future executive leaders in engineering, science, education, and technology. Academia, industry, and federal agencies will all benefit from ELATES as the home of bright leaders who are prepared to make a difference.”

Shahab was nominated by Provost Julie Ross with support from Former Interim Dean David Knight and Mechanical Engineering Department Head Brian Lattimer.