Every industry has its heroes. And that is nowhere more true than in the world of engineering, where its heroes are working to develop products and technologies that have a positive impact on our lives every day, in both big and small ways. Each year, Design News recognizes the best and the brightest—the people who are putting engineering on the front pages, through their dedication, technical abilities, and passion for their work. On the following pages, you'll find the stories of the winners of this year's Design News Engineering Achievement Awards. We hope you'll enjoy reading about their accomplishments and find inspiration in their successes.
Engineer of the Year
Tom Vos is a leading innovator of occupant safety systems for automobiles and has overseen the development of air bag technology, advancements in seat belts, and—most recently—integrated safety systems. He will designate an engineering school to receive a $25,000 grant from the Torrington Co.
Special Achievement Award
Thanos Etmektzoglou has been a major force in the development and enabling of Varian's IMRT (intensity modulated radiation therapy) technology, which is a key device for treating cancer. He will choose an engineering school to receive a $20,000 grant from Phillips Plastics Corp.
Women in Engineering Achievement Award
Michelle Manzo's leadership efforts at NASA Glenn Research Center have resulted in a significant improvement in the life and performance of batteries for aerospace applications. She will designate an engineering school to receive a $20,000 grant from Permanent Technologies Inc.
Engineering Quality Award
Jeff Vallier led a team of engineers at Gibson Guitars in the development of a first-of-its kind "digital guitar"—which combines a new communications standard and related hardware. He will designate an engineering school to receive a $20,000 grant from ITT Industries, Cannon.
Global Innovation Award
Stefan Baaman led an international team of engineers from Bosch Packaging Technology that developed a high-performance liquid filling machine—the first such world design in the industry. The team wins $5,000 and will designate an engineering school to receive a $15,000 grant from Omron.
College Design Engineering Award
Ken Susanto of the University of Southern California has developed piezoelectric forceps that are designed for minimal invasive surgery or colonoscopy procedures. He and his school will each receive $10,000 awards from Ansys.
Excellence in Design Winners
Grand Prize: MSC.Software $6,000 prizes
David Flinchbaugh/UroSolutions
Thomas Urbank/Delphi Corp.
Richard Glasson/Control Products
Best Product of the Year/MBF300 Fingerprint Sweep Sensor
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