Dr. Steven Fonash, Professor in Engineering Science and Mechanics and owner of NanoHorizons, Inc., a leader in the creation of nanoscale antimicrobial performance additives for textile, health care, industrial, and consumer products, announced that the Small Business Commercial Association of San Francisco has awarded them the 2009 Best of Business Award in the Chemical Additives category.

The SBCA 2009 Award Program recognizes the top 5% of small businesses throughout the country. Using statistical research and consumer feedback, the SBCA identifies companies that they believe have demonstrated what makes small businesses a vital part of the American economy. The selection committee chooses the award winners from nominees based off statistical research and also information taken from monthly surveys administered by the SBCA, a review of consumer rankings, and other consumer reports. Award winners are a valuable asset to their community and exemplify what makes small businesses great.

Dr. Akhlesh Lakhtakia, Charles Godfrey Binder Professor in Engineering Science and Mechanics, has been appointment, courtesy, to join the graduate faculty in the department of Forensic Science. ESM to CSI, Congratulations Akhlesh!

Dr. Charles Bakis, Distinguished Professor in Engineering Science and Mechanics, received the 2009 Best Paper Award in Structural Dynamics and Control by the ASME Adaptive Structures and Material Systems Committee (Aerospace Division) for his paper “Variable Stiffness Structures Utilizing Fluidic Flexible Matrix Composites" appearing in the Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures, Vol. 20, pp. 443-456 (2009). Co-authors of this paper are Ying Shan, Michael Philen, Amir Lotfi, Suyi Li, Charles E. Bakis, Christopher D. Rahn and Kon-Well Wang, all of whom shared the award. Congratulations Professor Bakis!

Dr. Charles Bakis, Distinguished Professor in Engineering Science and Mechanics received an Award of Appreciation from the American Society for Testing and Materials Committee D30 on Composite Materials, for key work in the transition of ACI standards on testing of civil infrastructure composites into D30 standards D7205, D7290, and D7337 and for ongoing effort working towards ASTM standards.

Dr. Barbara Shaw, Professor in Engineering Science and Mechanics, will travel to San Antonio, Texas on March 14 to attend the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) Corrosion 2010 meeting and present a paper in Research in Progress symposium. To learn more of the meeting, please visit their website.