The career of Norman F. Knight, Jr.,encompasses more than two decades in a government laboratory, in academia, and presently in industry, involving research, analysis and engineering education. His notable contributions are related to the buckling and post buckling analysis of composite structures, including progressive failure response, to finite element technology and computational methods for nonlinear analysis, and to structural analysis software design. A staff scientist at Veridian Systems Division, Knight has received many awards and citations from NASA Langley, including the NASA Exceptional Service Medal for his contributions to Space Shuttle Challenger accident investigation and redesign. He has approximately 100 technical publications and serves on the editorial board of Finite Elements in Analysis and Design. Sc.D. (1984), George Washington University.

Klod Kokini, assistant dean of engineering at Purdue University, is recognized as an educator and a leader in the study of thermomechanical fracture mechanisms in high-temperature materials, and of transient thermoelastic fractures of interfaces, notably applied to ceramic thermal barrier coatings. Several combustion engine manufacturers have benefited from his work in designing high-reliability, high-temperature engines. His work has contributed to both the reliability and efficiency of these engines. Kokini is also recognized for his contributions to tissue engineering (biomechanics). His studies of small intestinal submucosa have shown that this material can be used as a scaffold for the histogenesis of tendon tissue and hernia repair tissue. He also developed new approaches to measure the mechanical properties of biomaterials and their interactions with cells, which will allow him to develop design criteria for tissue repair or regrowth. Ph.D. (1982), Syracuse University.

Thay Q. Lee began his full-time career with the Department of Veterans Affairs in 1983 as a biomedical engineer and now is one of the leading researchers in the field of orthopaedic biomechanics. During the past 13 years, he established the PACT/Rehab-Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory. Lee is a biomedical engineer whose contributions and accomplishments are exceptional both clinically and scientifically. His scientific accomplishments have enhanced the treatment of patients in rehabilitation and orthpaedic surgery. He uses mechanical concepts to develop methodologies for testing diarthroidal joints and provide basic understanding and etiology of joint disease, repair and reconstruction as well as healing. Ph.D. (1999), Gothenburgh University.

Arvind Nagar, P.E., is known for his fatigue and fracture mechanics modeling of damage due to cracks in structures and machines. For the past 16 years at the Air Force Research Laboratory, in addition to conducting research on thermomechanical fatigue crack growth, he has planned, directed and managed research and development programs to develop design methods for life prediction to assure structural integrity of advanced aerospace vehicles under flight simulated loads. He has served as ASME Dayton Section chairman and has been active in the Aerospace Division's Structures and Materials Committee. Nagar has organized a number of symposia on fatigue and fracture at national and international conferences and has published five ASME volumes, 70 technical publications and made over 50 presentations at universities, industry, national and international conferences. Ph.D. (1984), Ohio State University.

Tina L. Panontin, P.E., has played an important role in the research and development program at NASA Ames Research Center for nearly 19 years. With expertise in failure analysis, structural integrity and material performance, Panontin has solved numerous complex and mission-critical problems by correctly and efficiently identifying root causes of problems and developing appropriate, practical solutions. She is an authority on the micro mechanisms of fracture and the experimental verification of analytical tools for failure prediction and diagnosis. In her current position as chief engineer, Panontin advises the center director on technical and risk issues, and on strategic new research directions. Ph.D. (1994), Stanford University.

Horacio Perez-Blanco is a professor at Penn State University, where he teaches and advises graduate student research in thermal systems. He joined Penn State in 1990 after spending 11 years at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, where he specialized in research on absorption refrigeration processes and advanced heat exchange technology. At Penn State, he has supervised 15 M.S. theses and three Ph.D. dissertations. He has developed an "energy systems" laboratory for undergraduate teaching, and taught numerous courses in the thermal systems area. He is an internationally recognized consultant in the area of absorption refrigeration technology. Ph.D. (1979), University of Illinois.

Fernando E. Pla Barby, P.E., has served the engineering profession and Puerto Rico for almost 40 years. He has been a student, soldier, educator, trainer, consultant and island activist. His commitment to educational leadership and professional services through ASME and the Colegio de Ingenieros y Agrimensores de Puerto Rico has been recognized by both with distinguished awards. Through his long tenure at the University of Puerto Rico he has been a role model for engineers, faculty and students. As a leader and director, he has built the mechanical engineering department at UPR and guided the college through ABET reviews. For more than 20 years, he has been a consultant to industry in the design of solar energy systems and in the development and training of personnel for major corporations on the island. Pla Barby is active in retaining the history of engineering on the island of Puerto Rico as well as contributing to leadership roles in the social and welfare aspects there. Ph.D. (1978), University of Texas.

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