Dr. Ken Chong Named ASME Fellow
November 3, 2008
Dr. Ken Chong, Engineering Advisor and Program Director for the Division of Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation (CMMI) in the National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate for Engineering, has been named a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Chong is cited for his extensive research and policy contributions to the area of solid mechanics.
"Ken has been a tremendous resource on the frontiers of research in mechanics," said Dr. Adnan Akay, Division Director of CMMI. "It is a pleasure to see him recognized by his peers for his many accomplishments and the vision he has brought to the field."
Chong's work in mechanics began at Princeton University, where he earned a Ph.D. He went on to oversee long-range structural research projects for National Steel Corp. and later became a professor and chair of the solid mechanics and structures group in the University of Wyoming department of civil engineering. In 1989 Chong came to NSF, where he has served the engineering community ever since.
While at NSF, Chong has managed an active annual portfolio of approximately 120 research projects in mechanics and materials. He has been instrumental in establishing the NSF Engineering Distinguished Lecture Series, creating the nano- and bio-mechanics program, and launching several new NSF initiatives, which address areas such as model-based simulation, civil infrastructure systems, durability modeling and testing. Chong has also demonstrated leadership by representing his division in nanoscale science and engineering activities and by serving as interim division director in 2005.
Over his career, Chong has made many significant contributions to the wider community. He has helped develop national policies through work on several high-level committees and subcommittees. He has published several books and more than 200 papers. Furthermore, Chong has mentored numerous students and young faculty through university, NSF, and ASME activities.
ASME is a professional organization that seeks to advance the technical and professional development of its 127,000 members and to enable mechanical engineers to contribute to the well-being of people around the world.
-Cecile J. Gonzalez, NSF-
The U.S. National Science Foundation propels the nation forward by advancing fundamental research in all fields of science and engineering. NSF supports research and people by providing facilities, instruments and funding to support their ingenuity and sustain the U.S. as a global leader in research and innovation. With a fiscal year 2023 budget of $9.5 billion, NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to nearly 2,000 colleges, universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives more than 40,000 competitive proposals and makes about 11,000 new awards. Those awards include support for cooperative research with industry, Arctic and Antarctic research and operations, and U.S. participation in international scientific efforts.
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