A faculty member and an alumnus from the Fariborz Maseeh Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering have been elected to the National Academy of Engineering, one of the highest honors in the engineering field.
Professor Ellen Rathje and alumnus Jimmy Don Wiethorn join three other NAE selections from the Cockrell School of Engineering. Their recognized contributions have had a significant impact on landslide and other hazard forecasting and construction safety.
This year, NAE elected a total of 128 new members and 22 international members. Election to the academy is among the highest professional distinctions bestowed upon an engineer. Membership honors those who have made outstanding contributions to engineering research and practice, including pioneering new and developing fields of technology and making significant advancements in the engineering field and profession.
“I am so excited and proud of Ellen and Jimmy,” said Bob Gilbert, chair of the department. “Ellen is a world-renowned expert in geotechnical seismic engineering and an innovator in natural hazards research. Together with Jimmy’s global expertise in crane safety, these engineers are improving our infrastructure and our society.”
About the New NAE Members
Professor Ellen Rathje is being honored “for contributions to seismic slope assessment and site response analysis and the development of cyberinfrastructure for natural hazards engineering.” Seismic slope assessment involves examining slopes that could deform due to earthquakes, potentially causing landslides. In addition to her seismic slope work, Rathje established DesignSafe, a cyberinfrastructure program that uses data to improve resiliency from natural disasters.
Jimmy Don Wiethorn (B.S., M.S., Ph.D. civil, environmental and architectural engineering) is one of the world’s top crane engineering experts. He is being recognized “for research on and analysis of crane accidents, saving lives through improved technology and training.” Throughout his career, Wiethorn has investigated more than 1,280 crane accidents worldwide, and his research has led to improved tracking of crane accidents and increased safety measures.
