May 22, 2006

Kaber, Roberts Garner Alcoa Foundation Engineering Research Awards

The Alcoa Foundation Engineering Research Awards for 2006 were presented to Dr. David Kaber, associate professor of industrial and systems engineering, and Dr. George Roberts, professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, at the spring faculty meeting for the College of Engineering at North Carolina State University. Kaber was awarded the Alcoa Foundation Engineering Research Achievement Award, which recognizes young faculty who have accomplished outstanding research achievements during the preceding three years. Roberts received the Alcoa Foundation Distinguished Engineering Research Award, made to a senior faculty member for research achievements over a period of at least five years at NC State.

Kaber is a leading expert in human factors engineering and cognitive ergonomics. His groundbreaking research in the areas of human interface design for remote control of complex robotics systems, or telerobots, has distinguished him as a leader in the rapidly expanding field of telepresence. In addition, his work on the effects of automation on performance of commercial aircraft pilots and his work in the design of adaptive automation for complex applications have earned him national recognition.

Recognized as one of the top researchers in the field of chemical reaction engineering, Dr. Roberts has made significant fundamental contributions to understanding the interactions between transport and reaction rates in heterogeneous catalysts and to the development and modeling of polymerization processes. His research has played a pivotal role in the development and commercialization of new technology. During the past five years he has been particularly successful, producing highly innovative work on high-pressure polymerization reactions and fundamentals of catalysis. His work in this area of green chemistry has garnered national and international attention.

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For information on other spring faculty awards, visit http://www.engr.ncsu.edu/news/awards/SpringFacMtg06.html.

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