Stanford Engineering names eight engineering trailblazers as 2011 Engineering Heroes
Established a year ago, the Heroes program celebrates the achievements of the most accomplished engineers associated with the Stanford School of Engineering and the profound effect engineering has on our everyday lives.
The 2011 Stanford Engineering Heroes, chosen from among former faculty and alumni, include inventors like Bradford Parkinson, chief architect of the Global Positioning System (GPS); Theodore Maiman, who holds the patent for the world's first working laser and Calvin Quate, inventor of two transformative microscopes.
Three are recognized industry leaders: Craig Barrett, former CEO and chairman of Intel, Andreas Bechtolsheim, who built the SUN workstation at Stanford and went on to co-found Sun Microsystems, and Morris Chang, founder of Taiwan Semiconductor. The "simplex algorithm" developed by George Danzig transformed mid-century American business by helping to maximize profit and efficiency. And the work of Stephen Timoshenko, a materials expert and the "father of applied mechanics," shaped engineering itself.
"These heroes have profoundly changed how the world lives. The Stanford School of Engineering is proud to recognize their accomplishments and, especially, to note our connection to them and their work," said James Plummer, dean of the School of Engineering. "Just as importantly, we hope their example will inspire new generations of engineers to continue to uphold the legacy of Stanford Engineering."
The eight new Heroes join a distinguished group that includes Vint Cerf, Bill Hewlett, Dave Packard and Fred Terman.
Additional biographical details on the 2011 Heroes
