CapstoneEngineerMagazineFall2026 - Flipbook - Page 31
State of Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame
Founded by proclamation of the governor, the State of Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame honors,
preserves and perpetuates the outstanding accomplishments and contributions of individuals, projects,
and corporations or institutions that have brought and continue to bring significant recognition to the
state. This year, one inductee and one project are affiliates of the Styslinger College of Engineering.
Eric F. Edwards has dedicated more than three
decades to servant leadership, technical excellence
and strengthening national defense. His 31-year
career as a U.S. Army civilian employee culminated
in his role as director of the U.S. Army Aviation and
Missile Research Development and Engineering
Center, where he advanced critical technologies
that improved Army capabilities and saved
soldiers’ lives. Since retiring from civil service in 2014, Edwards
has continued his work in national defense as founder and
president of Edwards Strategic Consulting LLC, advising defense
organizations and industry partners. His leadership, engineering
expertise and dedication to public service continue to leave a
lasting impact on the state of Alabama, the Army and the nation.
Project R.O.S.E. (Recycled Oil Saves Energy) stands as
a landmark accomplishment in process engineering
and systems design for the state of Alabama.
Conceived in the late 1970s by Gary C. April, a former
chemical engineering professor and department head
at The University of Alabama, the project confronted
a major engineering challenge: how to collect, handle,
clean and recycle more than three million gallons
of used motor oil generated annually by residents
who performed their own vehicle maintenance.
After developing a comprehensive data-driven engineering
model, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency adopted it as
the foundation for “How to Set Up a Local Program to Recycle
Used Oil,” a guide used in all 50 states and 12 foreign countries.
The Engineering Career Development Center is
here to help you succeed and lead.
ENGAGE
engineering students and alumni through every stage of career growth
PREPARE
by building skills, résumés and confidence through coaching,
interviews and real-world experience
CONNECT
students to internships, co-ops and careers through
strong industry partnerships
205-348-6422
coop.sl.ua.edu
coop@ua.edu
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