Each year, the University of Utah recognizes the achievements of exceptional faculty members in teaching, research, mentorship and service. Below are this year’s honorees from the John and Marcia Price College of Engineering, with excerpts from their nomination letters.
Distinguished Professor
Hamid Ghandehari, professor, Departments of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Biomedical Engineering
“Hamid’s research career has had an exceptional impact in the design and development of biomaterials for delivery of bioactive agents and on the toxicology of engineered nanoconstructs.”
“I believe that the prominence and significance of Dr. Ghandehari’s research, teaching and service at the national, international and local levels warrant every consideration for promotion to the rank of distinguished professor. He is beyond tireless in his pursuit of excellence and dedication to the U and to his profession.”
Distinguished Research Award
John McLennan, professor, Department of Chemical Engineering
“The impact of John’s research has and continues to have an impact on not only a national but also a global scale. It will facilitate the long-term implementation of reliable and safe renewable energy resources and will assist humankind in countering our contributions to climate change.”
“Dr. John McLennan is a truly exceptional scientist and engineer. Much like his pre-University of Utah work, his new avenues of research at the UofU, evident in the range and scope of FORGE, will without question have a transformative impact on society by opening much needed pathways to combat global warming through sustainable energy technologies.”
Early Career Teaching Award
Jacob George, assistant professor, Departments of Electrical & Computer Engineering and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
“Within Dr. George’s research lab, his mentorship demonstrates his innovative, student-centered approach. With his space being housed within the Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital, Dr. George leverages that and champions interdisciplinary collaboration across researchers and various healthcare professionals. This helps create an environment where diverse perspectives are sought out, ensuring that our research efforts are centered around patient needs.”
Pedro Huebner, associate professor (lecturer), Department of Mechanical Engineering
“One fact that is incredible to me is that Dr. Huebner has developed, from scratch, four new classes in his time here at the University of Utah (and will get to develop more), and all of them were perceived as exceptional by the students. Since these new classes were developed from essentially nothing, it is somewhat incredible that they were so well received.”