A pair of Texas-sized brains have just landed one of the engineering world's top honors. The National Academy of Engineering has elected both a University of Texas at Austin professor and a distinguished alumna to its ranks this year, a move that honors their significant contributions to the field.
Professor Noel T. Clemens and Christine E. Schmidt, a UT alumna, have been handed the prestigious accolade for their advances in engineering, the university announced. Schmidt, who has flown the UT coop to a perch at the University of Florida, and Clemens, currently chairing the aerospatial cockpit at UT, have both been recognized for innovation and leadership within their respective areas.
In recognition for his pioneering work with laser-based measurements to dissect and harness high-speed flows both combustible and otherwise, Clemens has been a faculty fixture since 1993 and has led the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics between 2012 and 2020. His cutting-edge work has not only furthered understanding in his field but also provided a beacon for future research and application, the university said.
Schmidt, who began her engineering journey at UT and served on its faculty from 1996 to 2012, has carved out her niche in the biomedical engineering landscape. Known for her trailblazing efforts in biomaterials and tissue engineering geared toward neural regeneration and better wound healing, she has also been a vanguard figure in diversifying the bioengineering discipline, the university added.
"Throughout his career, Noel has been a global leader in experimental laser imaging systems and techniques, and as an educator and department head, he has been a passionate supporter of his students and faculty colleagues," Roger Bonnecaze, dean of the Cockrell School of Engineering, said in a statement reported by the University of Texas at Austin. "We are extremely proud of the contributions both he and Christine have made to the advancement of their fields and the impact they have had on society."
With this latest induction, UT can now boast over 50 current and retired members of the academy, bolstering its reputation as a powerhouse in engineering education and research. The National Academy of Engineering's membership is considered one of the loftiest honors an engineer can achieve and is reserved for those who have left an indelible mark on the profession through innovation, research, and practice.
