ENGINEERING FALL 2013
Winds of Change A Lifetime of E xploration Brings Dean Iwan Alexander to UAB
ENGINEERING AGENDA DEAR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS, Welcome to the new issue of UAB Engineering. I am honored to serve as the school’s sixth dean, and I am grateful to the leaders who preceded me for leaving a strong foundation upon which to build a collaborative platform that will strengthen our research and education programs, increase their value and impact, and evolve them to deliver the necessary skills to meet the emerging challenges facing our global society. Our undergraduate programs, offering degrees in five disciplines, merge theory and practice, emphasize rigor, and provide experiential learning opportunities that enable our graduates to excel professionally. Our graduate programs immerse students in collaborative settings with diverse research topics ranging from medicine to manufacturing. With online graduate programs that are already nationally recognized, our faculty, together with UAB’s new Division of eLearning and Professional Studies, will work to evolve our traditional and online programs to make us a destination school for engineering education. Over the next few months, our faculty will be merging and refining departmental plans to produce the school’s strategic plan for UAB21. This plan will reflect our mission to provide research and educational programs in engineering that are internationally recognized for their impact on society and that will inspire creativity, ingenuity, and productivity. Finally, achieving our mission could not be possible without the continued support of the community that has generously committed time and resources to helping our school to become what it is today. Whether you are a graduate, an industry partner, or a friend, I look forward to sharing my vision on how we plan to create an environment that epitomizes “knowledge that will change your world.” These are exciting times to be a part of UAB— and I want to invite each of you to join me in helping to define the future of the School of Engineering. Best Wishes,
J. Iwan Alexander, Ph.D. Dean, UAB School of Engineering
1 UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • Fall 2 013
PAGE 3
Winds of Change A Lifetime of Exploration Brings Dean Iwan Alexander to UAB
CONTENTS
PAGE 11
Features Dynamics of Change: Familiar Faces Promoted to Department Chairs................ 8 Crash Science: Faculty and Alumni Put the Pieces Back Together............. 9 Meetings of the Minds: Conferences Attract Engineering Leaders....................... 10
Departments Student Spotlight.............................................................. 11 Alumni Profiles................................................................. 13 Development.................................................................... 17
PAGE 17 PAGE 9
UAB Engineering is published by the UAB School of Engineering in collaboration with the Office of Public Relations and Marketing. Executive Editors: Matt Windsor, Victoria Allen • Managing Editor: Grant Martin • Writers: Grant Martin, Cindy Riley, Kevin Storr, Kelli Taylor • Executive Art Director: Ron Gamble • Art Director: Jessica Huffstutler • Photography: Steve Wood • UAB Engineering Editorial Board: Iwan Alexander, Ph.D., Dean; Zoe Dwyer, Ph.D., Assistant Dean; Victoria Allen, Director of Development and External Relations; Leann Neal, Alumni Relations Officer; Tina Bryant, Administrative Support
UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • Fall 2 013 2
Winds of Change A Lifetime of E xploration Brings Dean Iwan Alexander to UAB
The rocks were the first to catch his eye.
Western, which works to provide
Then came the waves. Finally, the stars.
energy solutions.
low-cost, reliable, and sustainable Prior to that, Alexander earned
IWAN ALEXANDER, PH.D., has
starting something from scratch
spent his life embracing a series of
or taking something in a bold new
scientific passions; geology, ocean-
direction,” says Alexander. “When
ography, outer space, and the search
I first visited UAB, I got the sense
for renewable energy—an unusual
that the faculty wanted to do some-
trajectory that culminated earlier
thing dramatic, to change things for
this year in Alexander being named
the better. I could see that desire,
the sixth dean of the UAB School of
and I see the necessary ingredients
Engineering. Alexander took the helm
in infrastructure, so this is an excit-
of the school in August, replacing
ing time to be part of the School of
Linda C. Lucas, Ph.D., who stepped
Engineering.”
down in 2011 to take over as UAB provost.
Alexander comes to UAB from Case Western Reserve
“One of the things I’ve enjoyed doing in my career is either
University, where he was the Cady Staley Professor and Chair of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. In 2007, he led the creation of the Great Lakes Energy Institute (GLEI) at Case
degrees in geology and oceanography, and he even spent a few months exploring the Pacific Northwest in search of barite before turning his gaze skyward, exploring the effects of a space environment on fluid motion as a researcher at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). “I’ve been very lucky to find opportunities that engaged my interests,” says Alexander. “It may not seem like it when you lay it all out, but my career has followed a logical progression. Each step has led to the next, and I’ve been very fortunate to be associated with leadership that allowed me to pursue each of my goals.”
“WHEN I FIRST VISITED UAB, I GOT THE SENSE THAT THE FACULTY WANTED TO DO SOMETHING DRAMATIC, TO CHANGE THINGS FOR THE BETTER.” 3 UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • FA L L 2 013
THE ALEXANDER FILE DEGREES: • Ph.D. in geology, Washington State University, 1981 • B.Sc. in oceanography and geology, University of Wales, Swansea, 1977
HONORS: • Chair of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Water Technology Committee • American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) associate fellow • Director of the National Center for Space Exploration Research (2005-2010) • Awarded NASA’s Exceptional Public
From Rocks to Stars As a young boy, Alexander was surrounded by the striking rock for-
developed an interest in rocks and
Service Medal (2008)
geology.” While the waves of the ocean and
FAMILY
mations that dominate the landscape
the rocks of the shore may seem
Alexander’s father, Jim Alexander
of his family home in Cardiff, Wales.
like opposing forces, Alexander’s
Jr., obtained a degree in chemistry
“My grandfather, David Morris,
scientific curiosity found room for
at University College London. His
had a passion for geography, and
both. “At that time, Cardiff was still
mother, Valerie, earned a degree
he helped instill in me an interest
a major port,” he explains. “My
in home economics from the
in landforms—especially those in
father’s family came from a long line
University of Swansea. His par-
Wales left by the glaciation in the last
of seafarers. I started sailing when I
ents and a sister, Jane, reside in
ice age,” Alexander says. “My father
was 11. By the time I was in my late
Wales. Alexander’s wife, Helga, a
introduced me to topographic maps
teens I had become a keen surfer, so
graduate of UAH, is a physicist with
and encouraged me as early as eight
it was a natural progression for me
expertise in metrology. They have
years old to explore the countryside
to want to study both geology and
two children, one of whom lives in
around our home. That was how I
oceanography.”
Atlanta with Alexander’s grandson and soon-to-arrive granddaughter. continued on next page
UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • Fall 2 013 4
“WHEN I BEGAN LOOKING AT THIS JOB, THE COMMON THREADS BETWEEN THIS AND MY PREVIOUS POSITIONS ARE THE ONES CONCERNED WITH SUSTAINABILITY.”
As Alexander matriculated through
mainly compound semiconductors—
undergraduate and graduate school,
so I became interested in the effects
he says those interests led to a “con-
of the space environment on fluid
vergence through the application of
motion.”
fluid mechanics to solving rock defor-
Alexander joined the faculty at
mation problems at very low strain
UAH as an associate professor of
rates. Later in my career, my early
physics and director of the Center for
interest in rocks and minerals helped
Microgravity and Materials Research.
me develop expertise in industrial
He would remain in Huntsville for
solidification, crystallization, and
more than 10 years, conducting
materials preparation processes.”
NASA-funded research on residual acceleration effects on spacecraft
Alabama Introduction It was while working for the Florida Institute of Technology in the mid 1980s that Alexander first
experiments—work that first put him in touch with researchers from the UAB School of Engineering. In 1998, Alexander left Huntsville
became interested in outer space—
to become the chief scientist for
but he would have to go through
fluids at the National Center for
Alabama to get there. “At some
Microgravity Research at Case
point in the mid 1980s, I watched
Western Reserve, where he studied
the movie Hail Columbia!, and it
the dynamics and stability of liquid
piqued my interest,” he says. That
interfaces. In 2005, he became the
movie, about the maiden voyage of
director of the center, now called
the first space shuttle, was the cata-
the National Center for Space
lyst that began to turn Alexander’s
Exploration Research.
focus away from his earthbound interests. “I mentioned to my men-
A Case for Energy
tor, Bob Sekerka, that I’d seen in
At Case Western Reserve,
the movie that they were growing
Alexander found new areas that
crystals in space, and I expressed
were ripe for exploration. In 2006,
some interest in that. Before I knew
he turned his energies to a new
it, I was interviewing to be a visiting
focus—energy. “Along with a bunch
scientist at Marshall Space Flight
of other faculty, I crafted a white
Center in Huntsville. I had some
paper that became the foundation
experience modeling various types
for the Great Lakes Energy Institute,
of materials preparation processes—
which we began in 2007.”
5 UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • FA L L 2 013
The GLEI grew from initial fund-
ously shaping a new face for engi-
lenges to manufacturers of products
ing of around $4 million per year to
neering education. “We have the
and to people who build infrastruc-
approximately $12 million per year in
groundwork in place for the School
ture. Engineers are the ones who
its first four years. It now includes 75
of Engineering to grow its research
are going to have to tackle those
faculty members from three schools
efforts to unprecedented heights,”
problems at the very outset. The
and colleges. “I feel privileged to
he says. “UAB has emerging areas
challenges can be met, but they’ll
have been involved in the beginning
of opportunity across schools and
require new ideas, new products,
of the GLEI and to see it grow,”
departments where we can provide
new industries.”
Alexander says. “That was what got
a foundation for a sustainable and
me looking for other opportunities—
relevant approach that meets the
Engineering already has a good start
another place where I could find
challenges our students will face in
in that direction. High-level research
untapped potential and help grow
the future.”
with industry and medical partners is
it beyond anyone’s expectations. I
Alexander says the School of
That future, Alexander says, is
already reshaping thought processes
believe I have found just such a place
one that will likely involve issues of
in many areas concerning sustain-
at UAB.”
sustainability. “When I began look-
ability and consumer safety. As those
ing at this job, the common threads
efforts continue to grow, Alexander
between this and my previous posi-
says he hopes the impact will extend
tions are the ones concerned with
to undergraduate education.
Small School, Big Future While the School of Engineering has a strong record of success,
sustainability,” he says. “To me, that
Alexander says he hopes to open
means ensuring that our activities
new face on engineering education,
avenues for growth through new
today do not adversely impact the
I’m talking about an academic side
collaborations within the university
activities that might go on tomorrow.
that looks very hard at the practical
and with industry, while simultane-
That poses some fantastic chal-
side of where engineering careers
“When I talk about a putting a
continued on next page
“AS FORMER DEAN, I AM PROUD TO SAY THE SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING IS RAPIDLY DEVELOPING NEW TECHNOLOGIES, AND ALEXANDER HAS THE KNOWLEDGE AND THE INVOLVEMENT TO ACHIEVE EVEN MORE WITH THE SCHOOL’S INNOVATIVE DISCOVERIES. HIS DIVERSE BACKGROUND WILL MAKE A BROAD, POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE NEXT GENERATION OF ENGINEERING FACULTY AND STUDENTS FOR YEARS TO COME.” – UAB Provost Linda C. Lucas, Ph.D.
UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • FA L L 2 013 6
are going,” he says. “There should
understood well. But I think showing
I think you’ll see more businesses
be a concerted effort to make things
students how they have opportuni-
demanding that in the future and
relevant. Of course, it still doesn’t
ties to use that knowledge—but
more students demanding that they
change the fundamentals. Force is
also to think beyond that and to have
get that kind of exposure.”
still equal to mass times acceleration,
experiences with day-to-day prac-
and that still must be taught well and
tices in industry—is really important.
GREAT LAKES TO THE GULF Although much of his career has been concerned with research based on land or among the stars, Alexander has never lost his love for the water. A sailor since he was a young boy, Alexander says he is part of a long family tradition. “My great-great grandfather was a ship’s carpenter,” Alexander says, “and my father’s mother was born in Norway and settled in Cardiff, where her father opened a ship’s chandler’s shop in the early 1800s. My great grandfather, Jim Alexander, was a ship’s captain who served in the merchant marine and Royal Navy. “I learned to sail when I was 11, and a few years later, I was sailing small boats off the coast year-round— which was exciting, as capsizes were frequent and very cold.” Sailing is more than just a youthful passion for Alexander, who says he spent a great deal of time sailing Lake Erie in his 30-foot sailboat during his time at Case Western Reserve—including point-to-point and double-handed races. “My wife, Helga, and I also like to sail away for a weekend trip, and once a year we’ll sail on a four- or five-day vacation,” he says. “We’ve kayaked and surfed various places on the Atlantic and Pacific as well.”
7 UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • FA L L 2 013
Dynamics of Change Familiar Faces Promoted to Department Chairs
Electrical and Computer Engineering—Murat Tanik, Ph.D. During his 15 years on the faculty of the School of
research faculty,” Tanik
Engineering, Murat Tanik, Ph.D., has seen a lot of things
says. “I also plan to advance
change for the better—in the university as well as in the
a collaborative atmosphere with other departments and
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
centers across UAB and enterprises in the community.”
Moving forward, it will be Tanik’s vision that will help
A native of Izmir, Turkey, Tanik is co-founder of the
guide future change in the department as electrical engi-
Society for Design and Process Science, the interdisci-
neering continues its development as an integral part of
plinary and international society that promotes innovation
interdisciplinary science at UAB.
and change as a solution for civilization’s problems. He
Tanik, who joined the engineering faculty in 1998, was recently named chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. With vast experience in multi-
says he wants to use his international affiliations to leverage exposure and new endeavors for the department. “Murat’s experience, knowledge, and expertise make
disciplinary studies and rapid-development prototype
him an outstanding choice to lead the Department
research, he says he hopes to use that experience to
of Electrical and Computer Engineering,” says Iwan
position the department to address industry demands.
Alexander, Ph.D., dean of the School of Engineering.
“I will build on the existing strength of the depart-
“His leadership will enable the department to build
ment’s excellent undergraduate record in power systems
strong collaborations within the university and with
engineering and extraordinary new medical-oriented
external partners.”
Mechanical Engineering—David Littlefield, Ph.D. The Department of Mechanical Engineering has built
solid mechanics and com-
quite a bit of momentum over the past decade, and few
putational magnetohydrody-
people know that better than David Littlefield, Ph.D.
namics. Littlefield has written
A longtime associate and eventual recruit of former
or co-written more than 120
chair Bharat Soni, Ph.D., Littlefield was recently named
papers and technical reports
the new chair of the department where he has been on
in these areas.
faculty since 2005. “I am honored to have been selected
Before joining UAB,
to lead the faculty of this department,” Littlefield says.
Littlefield worked in Texas
“It’s a big responsibility, and I want to live up to those
with the Southwest Research Institute and the Institute
expectations. I look forward to building on the legacy
for Advanced Technology.
that’s been started here.” Littlefield, an expert in advanced computer weapons
“David has been a vital part of this department through its impressive growth in recent years,” says Iwan
research, is the on-site technical lead for computa-
Alexander, Ph.D., dean of the School of the Engineering.
tional structural mechanics at the U.S. Army Corps of
“He understands and is committed to our vision.”
Engineers’ Engineer Research and Development Center
Littlefield is a member of several professional organi-
in Vicksburg, Mississippi, sponsored by the Department
zations, including the American Society of Mechanical
of Defense. His primary interests include computational
Engineers, where he was named a fellow in 2002. UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • FA L L 2 013 8
Crash Science
SOE Faculty and Alumni Use Engineering Expertise to Put the Pieces Back Together
To the vast majority of motorists, highway crashes are anything but orderly. High-speed accidents typically produce a few seconds of chaos—and then an aftermath that can befuddle even the most experienced highway patrolmen. But to a highly skilled team of engineers at VEAR Inc., there is a definite order in the mayhem. VEAR manager and SOE alumnus Gary Johnson recently answered questions about how the company uses basic engineering and physics principles—along with a healthy dose of technology—to reconstruct highway and industrial accidents down to the finest detail.
VEAR Inc., is located at UAB’s Innovation Depot.
ners in VEAR are retired UAB faculty Dr. Thomas Talbot,
Does the company have any official connection
Dr. Raymond Thompson and myself. Today, VEAR con-
to UAB?
centrates on vehicular accidents, and Vista Engineering
There is a strong connection but not an official one.
concentrates on metallurgy and mechanical failures and
We have a total of eight employees, and seven of us
manufacturing consulting.
have degrees from UAB or are current or former faculty members. I received my master’s degree in mechanical
What is a typical procedure for recreating an
engineering from the School of Engineering in 2008, and
accident?
now I’m working on my Ph.D. in interdisciplinary engi-
By nature, there aren’t a lot of “typical” accidents, so
neering, which is a good fit for what we do.
in forensic engineering, we gather all the evidence we can and we apply the laws of physics to determine the
How did the company get started?
causes. There are typically three parts: Gather the avail-
Retired UAB physicist Dr. Ed Robinson, who passed
able data, analyze that data, and reach an opinion con-
away in 2012, founded Robinson and Associates, an
cerning the events. We go out and gather the physical
accident reconstruction company in the ’70s, when he
evidence, photograph the scene, retrieve the black boxes
assisted Ford with the Pinto wrecks. In 2008, his com-
from passenger cars and big trucks, and study witness
pany merged with Vista Engineering and created VEAR
testimony about the events. Then we enter the informa-
(Vista Engineering Accident Reconstruction). The part-
tion into one or more crash simulation programs, which
9 UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • FA L L 2 013
typically involves building a 3-D model of the roadway and the two vehicles, and then we crash them into each other according to the data collected and see how they behave. We also do visibility studies that allow us to evaluate how visibility changes, such as a car of
Meetings of the Minds
a certain height going over a hill, affect the operator’s
Conferences Attract Engineering Leaders
reaction to the events.
Hundreds of engineering leaders converged on UAB in the summer and fall, as the School of Engineering played host to two high-level
How much has technology changed since you started?
conferences, drawing international participation. In June, the Alabama Composites Conference returned to
When I ran computer simulations for Dr. Robinson in
Birmingham as it has every two years since 2006. This year’s event
the late 1990s, it took us 10 minutes to simulate a five-
brought 410 participants from across several disciplines, largely from
second event. Back then, the 3-D simulation program
industry. There were also more than 40 exhibitors who provided
we like to use (HVE, which stands for Human Vehicle
exhibits of a high technical quality, and three workshops over two
Environment) used to come with its own specialized
days focused on applications development for engineered composites
computer due to its complexity relative to the abilities
in transportation, defense, power and energy, corrosion prevention,
of that generation of computer. Now we have high-end
infrastructure, and emerging technologies.
laptops that run the HVE program. We scan the acci-
Forty high school students also participated in the conference
dent site and vehicles at the scene using lasers—we
thanks to support from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
just wave the laser scanner like we’re painting—and
The Department of Energy (DOE) Graduate Automotive Technology
the laptop acquires all the information it needs to cre-
Education (GATE) program also supported parts of the conference.
ate a 3-D model of the vehicle. Technology allows us to preserve evidence without destroying the cars.
Agile Ground Vehicle Symposium In September, the school hosted another high-profile event, as some of the world’s most prolific engineering researchers, professionals, and educators attended a symposium to explore emerging technology, trends, and research in agile ground vehicle dynam-
VEAR INC. TEAM
ics, energy efficiency, and performance in severe environments. The Agile Ground Vehicle Dynamics Energy Efficiency and
Gary M. Johnson, MSME, ACTAR, EIT
Michael Loop, Ph.D.
Performance in Severe Environments International Engineering
Manager, accident reconstruction,
Visual psychophysical
Symposium was hosted by the UAB School of Engineering and
event data retrieval and preservation
Analysis and Human Factors
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Barber Motorsports, Southern Company, Birmingham Chapter of American Society
Raymond G. Thompson, Ph.D., PE
Dale S. Feldman, Ph.D.
of Mechanical Engineers, and the International Society for
FAWS, FASM
Injury biomechanics
Terrain Vehicle Systems.
Engineering design, failure analysis and manufacturing methods
Dustin Nolen BMtlE EIT Accident reconstruction,
Thomas F. Talbot, Ph.D., PE
simulation, animation,
Vehicular and industrial accident
event data retrieval and
reconstruction, engineering design,
preservation
manufacturing processes and failure analysis
Cameron Robinson Technician
Preston Scarber Jr., Ph.D. Accident reconstruction, simulation
The Board of Trustees recently named Jay Goldman, D.Sc., Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus in the UAB School of Engineering. Goldman joined UAB in 1984 as dean and professor and was appointed Distinguished Service Professor of Engineering and recognized as dean emeritus in 2001. In 2004, he received the Medallion Award from the Institute of Industrial Engineers. UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • FA L L 2 013 10
student spotlight
n the Move SOE Students Invent a Specialized Wheelchair to Help Youngsters Stay Active and Stay Safe UAB’s biomedical engineering
When Jennifer Sheppard
Capstone Design Course,
learned that UAB engineering
them cognitively.” For more than 15 years, and with
Mary Graham experienced
the assistance of a National Science
and business students created
the playground like never
Foundation grant, engineering and
a motorized wheelchair for 1- to
before. The wheelchair is
business seniors have partnered with
equipped with a joystick
various community agencies includ-
and a kid-friendly paint job,
ing United Cerebral Palsy, Children’s
3-year-olds, she was eager to let her daughter give it a try.
and it is at ground level so that toddlers do not loom above
of Alabama, and others to create biomedical devices to aid people with
Mary Graham, 2, was born with sco-
their peers. It also has an override
disabilities. Engineering students
liosis, hip dysplasia, and muscular
system so that parents can stop
work with their client to identify an
dystrophy. Sheppard’s dreams of her
the child’s movement at the flip of a
engineering need. Business students
daughter running and jumping were
switch.
develop a market analysis and busi-
“It is such a great option for
replaced with plans for a life seated in a clunky wheelchair. After getting in a one-of-a-kind,
children who may not be mobile, instead of a clunky wheelchair,”
ness model, and then create a prototype. “It’s a chance to solve a real-
car-shaped wheelchair created as a
Sheppard says. “It makes it fun so
world engineering problem,” says
senior project by undergraduates in
that they can explore, and that helps
Alan Eberhardt, Ph.D., professor
SOE Graduation The School of Engineering held a reception last spring for the graduating class of 2013, whose members are now officially a part of a growing network that now includes more than 5,000 SOE graduates.
11 UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • FA L L 2 013
and associate dean of the School of
hours in the
Engineering. “The students spent
design lab
the past four years working in text-
coming up with
books and computers. The Capstone
a model that would
Design Course allows them to put
help the children, as well
their knowledge to task.”
as meet specific design codes and
mobile, especially for those who have
regulatory standards. With a budget
never experienced that,” she says.
This past year, a group of under-
Stribling says the wheelchair has many benefits. “It is teaching children that they can be independently
graduates—Ryan Densmore, Shelby
of $1,500, the students had to be
May, Dan McFalls, and Stephen
inventive, scavenging parts from the
reviewed for its potential marketabil-
Mehi—constructed the wheelchair
power system of an old wheelchair.
ity. If translation into a viable busi-
The students’ design is being
for the Bell Center, an early interven-
“The process of building it has
tion program for infants and toddlers
been the best part of my college
may be incorporated into a new
with special needs. The center,
education,” says Densmore, a senior
engineering graduate program.
where Mary Graham is a client, need-
from Morris, Alabama. “The entire
ed a mobility device to train young
project was an opportunity to apply
one, especially children,” Densmore
children to use a powered wheel-
all the knowledge I have accumu-
says. “I cannot think of a better
chair; it was using a borrowed one.
lated over my four years at UAB.”
place for it.”
The students spent countless
ness venture is feasible, the project
“It is a great feeling to help some-
Bell Center Physical Therapist Kate
Order of the Engineer
School of Engineering students participated in the school’s first-ever Order of the Engineer Ceremony last spring. The Order’s purpose is to foster a spirit of pride and responsibility in the engineering profession, to bridge the gap between training and experience, and to present a visible symbol identifying the engineer.
UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • FA L L 2 013 12
alumni profiles Latisha Salaam
how much attention
“At that time, there was no one at
it would get if I won,”
UAB who was working on drug deliv-
Salaam says. “I’ve had
ery systems, and least not in the way
quite a few people
that a chemical/biomedical engineer
IT HAS BEEN quite a year for
from my network from across the
and materials scientist would think
biomedical engineering graduate
U.S. who have let me know they
of it,” Salaam says. “We did have
Latisha Salaam, Ph.D.
heard about it.”
scientists studying the synthesis of
Over the summer, Salaam
To those who knew Salaam at the
small molecules and protein crystal-
found out she was being awarded
School of Engineering, the award
lography, but no one was looking at
the Lloyd N. Ferguson Young
probably comes as no surprise. After
materials as drug delivery vectors.”
Scientist Award from the National
receiving her undergraduate degree
Rather than find a mentor who
Organization for the Professional
in chemical engineering at Tuskegee
was already working in her area of
Advancement of Black Chemists and
University, Salaam earned her mas-
interest, Salaam had to seek out a
Chemical Engineers.
ter’s (2003) and Ph.D. (2005) from
faculty member who was willing to
UAB—but her studies here didn’t
oversee her research. The result of
follow the typical path.
that research was three publications,
“It was an honor to be nominated for the award, but I had no idea
Philip Zicarelli Philip Zicarelli was raised on con-
older, he’d encourage me to work
struction. The son of a general con-
with the different subcontractors to
tractor, Zicarelli spent his early days
get a broad understanding of what
observing the process of how vacant
skills and activities are required for
lots are transformed into inhabitable
each phase of a project. I realized
structures, and those firsthand looks
I enjoyed the time I spent with the
ultimately determined his career
electrical contractors the most.”
choice. “Ever since I was big enough to
Zicarelli, director for the Power and Industrial Division of KBR in
climb into my dad’s truck, I would
Birmingham, is responsible for
spend summers working with him.,”
resolving various issues, from
explains Zicarelli, who earned a
operational oversight of projects, risk
bachelor’s degree in electrical engi-
awareness, and management to legal
neering from UAB in 1984 and a
department liaison and corporate
master’s degree in 1989. “As I grew
licensing.
13 UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • FA L L 2 013
eight invited presentations, and sev-
the fundamental science I used in my
eral graduate awards.
Ph.D. work is the same that I will be
Today, Salaam works as a researcher for Procter & Gamble, where she
using in some of my current projects.” Although Salaam works at the P&G
has been awarded 12 patents, and
facility in Cincinnati, Ohio, she stays
she has been recognized with P&G’s
connected with UAB through her role
Research and Development Innovation
on the Department of Biomedical
Award and Outstanding Contribution
Engineering’s Advisory Board. She
Award. And although her work isn’t
also has a younger sister, Amanee
directly related to her doctoral work
Salaam, who earned her master’s
at UAB, she says the experience she
from UAB and is currently working on
gained at UAB has been invaluable.
a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering. “I
“It’s related in the sense that all sci-
am one of four sisters; one is a nurse,
ence is related,” Salaam explains.
and the other three of us are engi-
“The basis for a Ph.D. is learning how
neers,” Latisha Salaam says. “People
to command scientific method, and
find that interesting.”
“The most difficult part of the job is also the most satisfying,” he says. “Most assignments involve working
manager, site manager, start-up coor-
later spent over a year living in Russia
dinator, and field engineer.”
to establish three engineering offices
Recently, Zicarelli led the devel-
across the country,” he says. “To say
between the various functional depart-
opment team’s efforts to create a
Russia is different is a huge under-
ments to improve project execution,
proprietary computer system, which
statement. You really can’t appreciate
risk mitigation, and back-office func-
utilizes close-range photogrammetry
it until you’ve lived it.”
tions.”
and surveying to create 3-D com-
Having worked for the same com-
Zicarelli, who currently serves on
puter models of existing facilities.
the advisory board for the UAB School
pany for nearly 35 years, Zicarelli has
This highly successful development
of Engineering and the ECE depart-
assumed a variety of positions over
led to the creation of a wholly owned
ment, is at his best when solving
the past three decades. “I started as
subsidiary of BE&K, called As-Built
problems. “I love to sift through all
a co-op student for BE&K, which was
Data, where he served as president.
the data, define the problem, break
acquired by KBR in 2007,” he says.
“Prior to the acquisition, I served as
the problem down into manageable
“I’ve worked as an engineer in the
the assistant to the chairman and
pieces, and pursue a solution in a
electrical department and process
managed a project to implement our
methodical manner. That’s what engi-
staff department and as a project
enterprise resource planning system. I
neering is all about.”
UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • FA L L 2 013 14
alumni profiles Abhay Pandit WHEN ABHAY PANDIT, PH.D., first
UAB, as well as a master’s degree
visited UAB in the late 1980s, there
from the UAB School of Public
is no way he could have known the
Health.
ways his chosen field would change
“I was very interested in the bio-
over the next 20 years. That hasn’t
materials program at UAB after my
stopped him from leading the way in
first visit to Birmingham,” Pandit
a field that has continuously evolved.
recalls. “There was a critical mass of
Today, Pandit is director of the
researchers there who were clearly
Network of Excellence for Functional
making an impact. I might not have
Biomaterials Science Foundation
been able to articulate that at the
Ireland at the National University of
time, but I knew it was a well-regard-
Ireland, Galway. He moved to Galway
ed program, and the science they
in 2002 after spending seven years
were doing made sense to me.”
working in industry. Prior to that, he
While the science has developed
received a master of science and a
far beyond what Pandit could have
Ph.D. in biomedical engineering at
anticipated as a 22-year-old engineer-
Katie Mowry
medical school, dental
didn’t really put it together until I vis-
school, or veterinary
ited Mississippi State with a friend
school, and others
who was interested in engineering.
who pursued a career
I tagged along with him and ended
OUTSIDE OF WORK, Katie Mowry,
at an academic institution or worked
up talking with the dean of engineer-
Ph.D., says some friends may not
in the medical device industry.”
ing at length about my interests.
understand exactly what she does
Mowry currently works as a
He thought I would enjoy biomedi-
for a living. With biomedical engi-
senior research engineer at Nutech
cal engineering. I thought about it,
neers working in such a wide variety
Medical in Birmingham, but it was
signed up for the classes, and ended
of areas, it can be difficult for some
the diverse opportunities that first
up loving it.”
to fit the profession into an easily
caught her eye as an undergradu-
defined category. “It’s such a ver-
ate. “I always had a natural knack
a master’s and a doctoral degree
satile field,” Mowry says. “There
for math and science,” says Mowry,
in biomedical engineering from
are a lot of career paths available
a native of Yazoo City, Mississippi.
UAB. She credits the School of
to people with biomedical training.
“When other people dreaded math
Engineering faculty for keeping her
I’ve known people who have earned
homework, I always saw it as a puz-
on track. “I was lucky enough to
their degree and then gone to
zle—something to figure out. But I
have an amazing committee and
15 UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • FA L L 2 013
Mowry would go on to earn both
ing student, he says the end goals of
and I was moving to an area that
been without challenges. “Our center
the research continue to inspire him,
hadn’t been very active in this type
is funded through industry participa-
just as they did back then. “I had a very
of research. In some ways, it was the
tion, and the government matches it,”
personal interest that helped steer me
wisest thing I ever did.”
he says. “Right now, the economy
toward this particular area of science,”
Pandit’s impact in Ireland was
is in recovery mode, so the govern-
he says. “My grandfather developed
immediate. He secured accreditation
ment always wants to know how
bed sores after he suffered a stroke,
for the first undergraduate biomedical
our research is going to benefit the
and I felt very strongly about the ben-
engineering program in Ireland and
taxpayer. It has forced us to actu-
efits of tissue engineering and tissue
would later establish a critical mass
ally make that connection between
regeneration. I felt that this was an area
of biomaterial expertise in Ireland
our research and job creation. That
that had tremendous potential.”
by obtaining funding for a National
doesn’t necessarily fit with the way
Strategic Research Cluster at NUI
a lot of people view research, but it’s
Pandit moved on to jobs in industry
Galway. The research center is now
good to make that connection.
in Massachusetts and Minnesota,
one of the major biomaterials research
where he says he was able to practice
centers in the European Union.
After receiving his master’s degree,
research from a variety of industrial
“I believe in the conflation of scientific ideas,” he adds. “To do solid sci-
“The timing was perfect when
ence and to truly understand what’s
perspectives. “I worked at a fairly
I moved to Ireland,” Pandit says.
going on, I want to take things to clin-
large company, a midsized company,
“Galway is a medical device hub, and
ic, but I also want to be sure that we
and a start-up,” he says. “So I have
since the Strategic Research Cluster
understand the mechanisms involved
experience in the three main sectors
was created, we have generated
in the lab setting as thoroughly as
of the medical device industry. When
research contracts totalling more than
possible. The years I spent at UAB,
I moved to Ireland, I had a solid base
€25,000,000.”
as well as the time I spent in industry,
of industry and academic experience,
That isn’t to say Pandit’s work has
dissertation advisor. Dr. Susan Bellis
results, which is consequently also
was my graduate mentor, and played
the most difficult part of my work. I’m
a huge role in my training, for which I
passionate about what I do, because
am incredibly thankful,” she says.
it never gets boring. There’s always a
In her role at Nutech, Mowry spends
new avenue to investigate or a new
a lot of time planning and executing
question to answer in the lab. I also
research projects focused on current
really enjoy the fact I’ve gotten the
products or products in the pipeline.
chance to work on quite a few projects
She also works with different aspects
since I started here.”
of the business, including marketing
When she isn’t in the lab, Mowry
and sales training materials and sci-
and her husband enjoy learning to
ence-based product-related questions.
play golf and spending time at various
“What I enjoy most is the research
taught me to take a broader view.”
hiking trails throughout the city. “I’ve
aspect of my job—thinking about a
been in Birmingham for five years and
question, designing a set of experi-
would call it home now.”
ments to address it, performing them, and assessing and writing up the UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • FA L L 2 013 16
development A Lasting Legacy Charles A. Machemehl’s Gift Honors Former Professor and Longtime Friend CHARLES MACHEMEHL has a long list of accomplishments behind
Machemehl has bestowed such an
his name, but of all the legacies he
honor on someone. He has endowed
will leave behind, he says the ones
scholarships at his alma mater, the
that mean most to him have other
University of Texas, as well as at
people’s names attached.
Texas A&M, Georgia Tech, Georgia,
Machemehl recently committed funds toward an endowed scholar-
Brigadier Gen. Charles A. Machemehl Jr.
The gift was not the first time
Alabama, and Auburn, among others. “It’s probably the best place you
ship in honor of UAB Professor
can put your money for two rea-
Emeritus Edmund P. Segner Jr.,
sons,” Machemehl says. “It’s an
Ph.D., on Segner’s 80th birthday.
honor for the person who’s named
“Ed and I have known each other for
in the endowment, but it also helps
years, and we worked closely togeth-
a young person go to school who
er when I was on his board and he
might not be able to otherwise.”
was chair of the Department of Civil
Machemehl and Segner’s friend-
Awards • Legion of Merit (1988)
Engineering at UAB,” Machemehl
ship began at the University of Texas,
says. “It was a surprise to him, but I
where Machemehl played football
• The CIT Group/Industrial Financing Rebuilding America Award (1992)
wanted to do something that would
and was involved in ROTC. After
continue to honor him long after
graduating in 1957, he spent three
• The National Stone Association’s State Association Executive of the Year (1998)
we’re all gone.”
years as a civil engineering officer in
• Metro Atlanta E-Week Engineer of the Year Industry Award (1999)
chair of the Department of Civil and
Professional Associations • National and Georgia Societies of Professional Engineers • American Society of Civil Engineers
Segner joined UAB in 1990 as
the U.S. Air Force. In 1968, Machemehl took a job
Environmental Engineering. During
as a research engineer at Vulcan
his UAB tenure, he earned numerous
Materials and rose to vice president
awards, including engineering edu-
for marketing and business before
cator of the year from the Alabama
retiring in 1995. During those years
Society of Professional Engineers
at Vulcan, he also served in the
in 1995 and engineer of the year
Alabama Air National Guard, where
• Society of American Military Engineers
from the Engineering Council of
he rose to the rank of brigadier gen-
• National Crushed Stone Association
Birmingham in 1998. Segner and
eral in 1987 before retiring in 1988
• UT Austin Engineering Foundation Advisory Council
Machemehl are both members of the
with 31 years of service.
Civil and Architectural Engineering
Today, he continues to work as a
Academy of Distinguished Alumni at
civil engineering consultant on sev-
the University of Texas at Austin.
eral ongoing projects.
17 UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • FA L L 2 013
ASEM Scholarship Established in Memory of
Leah McCraney
Earlier this year, friends of Leah McCraney and the Advanced Safety and Engineering Management program established an endowed scholarship in memory McCraney, the former ASEM program director. McCraney, who was the inaugural program manager for the master of engineering graduate track in the School of Engineering,
Martha Bidez, above, speaks at a
showed an unwavering commitment to aca-
memorial for Leah McCraney. At left are
demic excellence throughout her career. She
McCraney’s mother, Dorothy McCraney;
died of natural causes at her home in May
brother, Nathan McCraney; and friend
2012 at age 51.
and donor Albertine Doibo.
KBR donates $100K to UAB School of Engineering ASEM program “This leader-
The KBR funds will be used to
ship gift from
grow the international student enroll-
KBR is trans-
ment of the ASEM program, which
formational,”
will in turn spread safety best practic-
says Martha
es farther around the world. The pro-
Bidez, Ph.D.
gram currently has 103 national and
THE SCHOOL of Engineering was
“This generous gift will help leverage
international students enrolled. In May
presented a gift of $100,000 from
philanthropic opportunities with other
2012, the program graduated 16 stu-
KBR, a global engineering, construc-
companies and will keep our program
dents in its inaugural class, including
tion, and services company, at a
on the cutting edge.”
one who lives and works in Nigeria.
reception in the UAB Alumni House
The program was recently ranked
SOE alumnus Phillip Zicarelli (pic-
earlier this year. The donation, spread
tured above at left), director of KBR’s
as one of the best online master’s
out over the next five years, is for
Power and Industrial Division, was
programs by U.S. News & World
the Advanced Safety Engineering
instrumental in facillitating the gift.
Report and is the only master’s of
and Management (ASEM) Master of
(For more on Zicarelli, see the alumni
engineering degree with a safety
Engineering program.
profile on page 13.)
emphasis offered wholly online.
UAB ENGINEERING M AGA ZINE • FA L L 2 013 18
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