Dr. Michael Hargather (left) and Dr. Jamie Kimberley (right), both current Associate Professors within the Mechanical Engineering department, were named NMT’s most recent Dean Scholars. Being considered for this honor means that an educator has shown significant passion and dedication for teaching and working with students. According to the guidelines outlined by Academic Affairs, this award is only given “in recognition of faculty who attain extraordinary success in research, acquiring research funding, and supporting graduate students” (for more information, visit the Dean Scholar Appointment Guidelines).

To be named a Dean Scholar, a professor must have strong research and teaching records and a consistent income of external funding for research, adding up to no less than $250,000 a year. Additionally, a professor must fund and assist at least three graduate research assistants. Dr. Hargather and Dr. Kimberley each support multiple graduate students, focusing on different types of research.

 Dr. Hargather’s Shock and Gas Dynamics Laboratory currently employs nine graduate students and five undergraduate students. This lab focuses on research on a wide range of fluid-thermal-related problems. Dr. Kimberley’s Dynamic Deformation and Failure Laboratory currently employs three graduate and one undergraduate student. This lab focuses on researching the different failure responses of solid materials subjected to blast and impact loads.

 These research groups are funded by many highly respected entities in the scientific community, such as the National Science Foundation and the US Air Force. As a result, students receive valuable experience and exposure to many mechanical engineering applications.