Professor Frank Parker; alumnus Dan Barge, BE'43; former Governor Winfield Dunn; Professor David Kosson and Professor Ed Thackston pose during a gathering marking the retirements of Thackston and Associate Professor Bob Lott.

Lott and Thackston Say
Their Formal Goodbyes

The School of Engineering held a retirement party for Edward L. Thackston, professor of civil and environmental engineering, and Robert L. Lott Jr., associate professor of mechanical engineering, on Jan. 26 at the University Club. A diverse group of alumni, faculty, students and friends turned out to celebrate their contributions and work.
       "Professor Thackston has provided high quality leadership to the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering for more than 35 years and has been a steward for the environment in Tennessee," CEE Chair David S. Kosson said. "His

Robert L. Lott Jr.

contributions have greatly benefited a generation of engineers and citizens."
       Robert W. Pitz, chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, declared, "Dr. Lott's contributions to teaching, research and service have been outstanding. No doubt, Dr. Lott's greatest legacy will be the success of the students he taught. Dr. Lott made broad and significant contributions to the mechanical engineering department and profession."

Vanderbilt Launches Online Research Exploration

Vanderbilt University officially premiered Exploration, a dynamic online research magazine, on Feb. 1. This multimedia journal focuses on conveying to a broad audience the excitement and energy surrounding research of University professors and students.
      Exploration's debut issue featured a cover article on the work of Mechanical Engineering Associate Professor Michael Goldfarb and his team to produce robotic "bugs." Funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), these tiny robots may prove to be the next generation of high-tech military intelligence gathers. Check out the story, interact with robot models and stay abreast of other engineering discoveries and advances by visiting the site at www.exploration.vanderbilt.edu.

 

Robert Balcarel

Now Showing on the Web...

Robert Balcarel, assistant professor of chemical engineering, is featured on the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering Web site in its "People Like You" section (www.guidemenacme.org/world/people.html). His research focuses on the effects of genetic, molecular and environmental factors on cell physiology.

 

Professor Frank Parker's DOE term will extend through 2003.

DOE Reappoints Parker to Board

Distinguished Professor of Environmental and Water Resources Engineering Frank L. Parker has been reappointed to the U.S. Department of Energy Environmental Management Advisory Board. The School of Engineering professor chairs the science committee of the Board.
       Professor Parker has served on the Advisory Board since 1994. The Board advises and recommends actions to be taken on issues related to the U.S. Department of Energy Environmental Management Program, which oversees the government waste management operations, environmental restoration and related research programs.