Civil Engineering Faculty Awards

Dr. Shahram Pezeshk, an associate professor of civil engineering, was one of two professors receiving the 1998 Alumni Association's Distinguished Research Awards. Dr. Pezeshk, a U of M faculty member since 1989, has been described by a colleague as a superb scholar with an outstanding record of accomplishment in structural engineering research. Recently, Pezeshk has been working on the basic parameters of earthquake-resistant bridges, buildings and highways. He is also working on a model to predict the amount of ground motion that will occur in the Mid-South during a major earthquake along the nearby New Madrid Seismic Zone. His work has drawn the attention of the U.S. Geological Survey and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. During the past five years, Pezeshk has been awarded more than $1.6 million in research grants by agencies such as the Geological Survey, National Science Foundation and Tennessee Department of Transportation. Dr. Pezeshk is a graduate of the University of Illinois where he also earned a doctorate.

Dr. Fry Receives University Teaching Award

Dr. Tom Fry was one of four professors receiving University Distinguished Teaching Awards at the Spring, 1997 Faculty Convocation. This is the university highest recognition for outstanding teaching. He was chosen from more than 250 professors and instructors nominated by students, alumni, and faculty colleagues. Dr. Fry is the first Civil Engineering professor to receive this university-wide honor. He is a multi-year recipient of the Faculty of the Year Award given by Civil Engineering students in recognition for his outstanding teaching. Semester after semester, students praise Dr. Fry and his geotechnical comes. They cite his well organized lectures and his ability to bring his practical experiences into the classroom. When given the award, Dr. Fry said, "I'm also very appreciative because of the efforts of others - especially the students who have been so responsive".