CapstoneEngineerMagazineFall2026 - Flipbook - Page 19
Dr. Shreyas Rao, associate professor
in the department of chemical and
biological engineering, was recognized
as a mid-career scholar with the 2026
UA President’s Faculty Research Award.
Dr. Dawen Li, professor in the
department of electrical and computer
engineering, received The University
of Alabama Senior Scholar Award
for Physical and Biological Sciences,
Mathematics and Engineering, which
recognizes a tenured faculty member
who has exhibited a sustained program of excellence.
Dr. Robert Bertini, professor and head of
the department of civil, construction
and environmental engineering, led
the conference planning efforts for the
national Civil Engineering Department
Heads Conference hosted by the
American Society of Civil Engineers.
Dr. Sandy Pettit, associate dean for
student success, was named Engineer
of the Year by the Central Florida
Section of the American Institute of
Chemical Engineers.
Dr. Bhupendra Khandelwal, associate
professor in the department of
mechanical engineering, was elected
as a fellow of the Royal Aeronautical
Society.
Dr. Glenn Tootle, professor in the
department of civil, construction and
environmental engineering, was
selected as a recipient of the 2026-27
J. William Fulbright Research Scholar
Award to collaborate with scientists
and engineers on drought planning and
management.
Dr. Chris Crawford, associate professor
in the department of computer science,
was awarded a grant from the National
Science Foundation’s Innovative
Technology for Students and Teachers
program. The grant will support the
design and development of an educational platform
that introduces high school students to data science
through interactive cyber-physical human systems.
Seven assistant professors were selected for the
College’s third class of Hewson Engineering Faculty
Fellows:
Dr. Matthew Blair,
department of
civil, construction
and environmental
engineering
Dr. Sayanton Dibbo,
department of computer
science
Dr. Lin Gao, department
of mechanical
engineering
Dr. Noorbakhsh Amiri
Golilarz, department of
computer science
Dr. Zhiheng Lyu,
department of
chemical and biological
engineering
Dr. Lusha Wang,
department of
electrical and computer
engineering
Dr. Taber Wanstall, department of aerospace
engineering and mechanics
Dr. Todd Freeborn, associate professor
in the department of electrical and
computer engineering, received the
Excellence in Community-Engaged
Scholarship Award presented by
UA’s Council on Community-Based
Partnerships.
FALL 2026 | CAPSTONE ENGINEER | 19
