College of Engineering Awards for Excellence 2011

The College of Engineering at North Carolina State University has recognized Hermine Kabbendjian in the Department of Nuclear Engineering; Jack O’Daly in the Joint NC State-UNC Department of Biomedical Engineering; and Andrew Stein in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering as winners of the 2011 Awards for Excellence.

The awards were announced at a ceremony held March 30 in Engineering Building III on Centennial Campus. Dr. Louis A. Martin-Vega, dean of the College of Engineering, presented plaques and $250 gift checks to Kabbendjian, O’Daly and Stein. The winners also received eight hours of paid time off and are now nominees for the NC State University Award for Excellence.

Also nominated for the College awards were Angelitha Daniel, Minority Engineering Programs for the College of Engineering; Saundra Doby, Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; Paula Hubbell, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering; Lance Mangum, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering; Rosette Tavolacci, College of Engineering Dean’s Office; Dr. Katherine Titus-Becker, Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Village; and Angela Williams, College of Engineering Dean’s Office.

About the Winners

Hermine Kabbendjian

As an administrative assistant in the Department of Nuclear Engineering, Hermine Kabbendjian provides guidance, assistance and encouragement for faculty, staff, visiting scholars and graduate students.

Hermine serves as the chief administrator for the Consortium for Advanced Simulation of Light Water Reactors (CASL), a partnership of universities, laboratories and industry representatives that uses advanced computer models to explore innovations in nuclear engineering and design.

Hermine’s dedication to her position as well as her kindness towards her peers have enabled her to make outstanding contributions toward the department while enhancing its quality and morale.

Jack O’Daly

Jack O’Daly, administrative director of research in the Joint NC State-UNC Department of Biomedical Engineering, is responsible for identifying research funding opportunities, administering pre- and post- award sponsored research agreements, and much more.

Most recently, Jack helped lead the expansion of the department’s research seminar series from once a month to once a week, which has helped continue to build research interactions between the department’s faculty and researchers outside the department.

Jack plays a crucial role in supporting a broad array of the department’s research and his excellent work has helped the department garner attention from corporate and outside university sponsors.

Andrew Stein

Andrew Stein is the senior web developer for the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, but his projects have impacts that extend well beyond the department.

Each engineering department uses his “RPT” tool to manage their faculty tenure process and most of the departments utilize Andrew’s “TownCrier” application, which is a news management system.

University-wide, IT and administrative staff use his tools to keep track of email servers, news stories and employees’ arrivals or departures from the university.  His willingness to assist in a knowledgeable and cooperative manner has made Andrew a great asset to the College of Engineering.