National Academy of Engineering recognizes UMBC alumnus Ralph Semmel

College of Engineering and Information Technology

February 23, 2026 at 11:40 AM

Ralph Semmel, Ph.D. '92, computer science, has been elected as amember of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE). Election to the NAE is among the highest levels of professional recognition conferred to any engineer.

Semmel, director emeritus of the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is recognized for his "leadership in generating innovative and disruptive engineering advancements in defense, national security and space exploration."

Semmel was named a UMBCOutstanding Alumni of the Year in 2011. His career includes influential leadership and technical roles advancing artificial intelligence, database systems, and software engineering.

Members of the NAE Class of 2026 will be formally inducted during the NAE Annual Meeting in the fall.

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National Academy of Engineering recognizes UMBC alumnus Ralph Semmel

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