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MCEER Investigator Mircea D.
Grigoriu has been awarded the 2002 Alfred M. Freudenthal Medal
of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Professor Grigoriu was cited
"for his original theoretical developments and applications of
probabilistic methods to civil engineering." The Freudenthal Medal
is presented in recognition of distinguished achievement in safety and
reliability studies applicable to civil engineering. A faculty member at Cornell
University, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, since 1980, Professor
Grigoriu's research interests are in structural dynamics, random vibration,
stochastic mechanics, fracture mechanics, and applied probability. He received
the award at the 15th Engineering Mechanics Division Conference, June
2-5, 2002 in New York City.
T. T. Soong, Samuel P. Capen
Professor of Engineering Science, University at Buffalo, and co-principal
investigator of the NSF Center Grants which established NCEER in 1986 and MCEER
in 1997, has been awarded the 2002 Nathan M. Newmark Medal by the American
Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). The award was presented at the 15th
Engineering Mechanics Division Conference, June 2-5, 2002, in New York City.
The Newmark Medal is given to an ASCE member whose outstanding contributions in
structural mechanics have substantially strengthened the scientific base of
structural engineering. Dr. Soong was cited "for his pioneering work,
innovations and leadership in the theory and applications of structural control
systems in civil infrastructure facilities."
Stephanie E. Chang, research
assistant professor at the University of Washington and long-time MCEER
researcher, received the 2001 Shah Innovation prize "for her innovative
contributions to earthquake loss estimation and lifeline seismic risk analysis,
and her success in the unique and difficult role of bridging the engineering and
social science research and practicing communities." According to the 2001
selection committee, Stephanie's career "reflects the innovation,
creativity and entrepreneurial spirit honored by the prize. Not only does she
work in both the academic and professional worlds, and the U.S. and
international contexts, but she also spans the engineering and social science
communities."
Endowed by a generous gift from the Haresh Shah family, the
$10,000 Shah Family Innovation Prize is awarded annually to younger
professionals and academics for creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial
spirit in the field of earthquake risk mitigation and management. Stephanie
received the prize at EERI's Annual Meeting in Long Beach, California,
held on February 6-9, 2002.
Donald J. Goralski, MCEER's
Senior Program Officer for Industry/User Partnerships, received the Marilyn G.S.
Watt Alumni Award from the Communication Studies faculty of Canisius College.
The award recognizes alumni of the department who have distinguished themselves
in their careers. He received the award during the department's annual spring
honors and awards event, which was held on April 22 at Canisius College.
Thomas D. O'Rourke, Thomas R.
Briggs Professor of Engineering in the School of Civil and Environmental
Engineering at Cornell University, and long-time member of MCEER's Executive
Committee, received the endorsement of the voters as President-Elect of the
Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI).
He will serve one year as President-Elect, followed by two
years as President and one year as Past President. Tom was formally welcomed to
his new post at the EERI Annual Meeting, held February 6-9, 2002 in Long
Beach, California.
MCEER Director George C. Lee was
honored for his 40 years of service to the School of Engineering and Applied
Sciences, University at Buffalo. He was honored at a dinner hosted by UB
President William Greiner, and by a reception held at the School of Engineering,
hosted by current Dean Mark Karwan. Dean Karwan noted that George is the first
faculty member in the School of Engineering to reach the 40-year mark. When
asked about his achievements, George attributed his success to his commitment to
the collective achievement of the faculty members of the institution and its
goals.
Prior to serving in his current roles as MCEER Director,
Samuel P. Capen Professor of Engineering, and Senior University Advisor for
Technology, George was Chair, Department of Civil Engineering (1974-1977), and
Dean, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences(1977-1995), Associate Director,
Calspan-UB Research Center (1984-1989) and Acting Director, National Center for
Earthquake Engineering Research (1989-1991).
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