Biography

Education:
Ph.D. Civil Engineering, Northwestern University, 1986
M.S. Civil Engineering, Northwestern University, 1983
B.S. (cum laude) Civil Engineering, Princeton University, 1981

Courses Taught:
Finite Element Methods, Theory of Vibrations, Applied Mechanics of Solids, Theory of Structural Stability, Hypervelocity Impact Phenomena, Advanced Penetration Mechanics, Composite Materials, Theory of Plates and Shells, Fracture Mechanics, Elasticity, Engineering Communications, Ethics and Professionalism, Senior Seminar-Contemporary Issues and the Global Impact of Engineering Solutions

Professional Registration:
-Professional Engineer, Alabama
-Professional Engineer, Missouri

Recent Industry/Consulting Experience:
-NASA Engineering Safety Center
-NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
-USAF Research Laboratory, Eglin AFB
-NASA Marshall Space Flight Center

Administrative Appointments:
-Assistant Chair, Distance Ed and Online Programs, Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Missouri S&T, 2016-present
-Department Chair, Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering, Missouri S&T, 1999-2015
-Interim Dean, School of Engineering, Missouri S&T, 2006-2007
-Department Chair, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alabama in Huntsville, 1995-1999

Visiting Scholar/Faculty Fellow Appointments:
-NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 2014, 2016
-University College of the Cayman Islands, 2014
-Fraunhofer Ernst Mach Institute, Freiburg, Germany, 2007
-NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 2006
-NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center, 1994, 1995
-Wright Laboratories/Eglin Air Force Base, 1992, 1993
-NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center, 1987, 1988

Major Honors and Awards:
-Distinguished Scientist Award, Hypervelocity Impact Society, 2015
-Group Honor Award, NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC), 2014 (For outstanding accomplishment through the coordination of individual efforts that have contributed substantially to the success of NESC's mission)
-3rd Place, New Engineering Educators Division Best Paper Competition, ASEE Annual Meeting, 2011
-Honor Award, NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC), 2010 (For outstanding leadership, technical insight and support of micro-meteoroid and orbital debris protection and damage prediction analysis for the NESC)
-Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award, Humboldt Foundation, 2007
-Manuel T. Pacheco Academic Leadership Award, Missouri S&T, 2007
-Best Oral Presentation, HVIS2005, Hypervelocity Impact Society, 2005
-Fellow, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2005
-Fellow, American Society of Civil Engineers, 2003
-Honor Member, Chi Epsilon (Missouri S&T Chapter), 2000.
-Charles Sharpe Beecher Prize, Institute of Mechanical Engineers, Aerospace Division, England, 1999
-Associate Fellow, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 1998
-Lawrence Sperry Award, AIAA, 1995 (Presented for a noble contribution made by a young person to the advancement of aeronautics or astronautics
-Outstanding Research and Creativity Award, UAHuntsville, 1992.