University of Illinois at Chicago Office of Public Affairs (MC 288)
601 S. Morgan St., Chicago, IL 60607-7113, (312) 996-3456, www.uic.edu/depts/paff

November 12, 2001

Contact: Paul Francuch (312) 996-3457; francuch@uic.edu

MECHANICAL ENGINEERS WIN PROFESSIONAL APPOINTMENTS

The work of University of Illinois at Chicago mechanical engineers William Worek and Farzad Mashayek has been recognized through their appointments to professional societies.

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers has named Worek vice president of energy resources. His three-year term begins June 2002. Worek heads UIC's department of mechanical engineering and directs the university's Energy Resources Center.

Worek is recognized for his work in combined heat and mass transfer. He is a leading expert in the area of sorption technologies as they apply to alternate cooling technologies, such as air conditioning systems that do not rely on ozone-harming chlorinated fluorocarbons.

"Becoming the vice president of energy resources reflects well on Professor Worek's dedication to his area of research and to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers," said Lawrence Kennedy, dean of the UIC College of Engineering and a professor of mechanical engineering.

Mashayek, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at UIC, was elected associate fellow in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. The institute is the world's largest professional society devoted to the progress of science and engineering in aviation, space and defense. Associate fellows are members who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and professional accomplishments. His name, along with a list of other new fellows, will be published January in Aerospace America.

"Professor Mashayek is one of the college's outstanding young faculty members," said Kennedy. "His election as an associate fellow by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics is a recognized honor and I congratulate him."

Mashayek is a nationally recognized expert on numerical simulations of turbulence and chemical reacting systems. His work has found applications in propulsion systems and environmental controls, in addition to contributing to a fundamental understanding of fluid flow.

The UIC College of Engineering awards professional degrees through the doctoral level. The college hosts a variety of public educational outreach programs, in addition to conducting important academic, business-related and public service work at its 34 research centers and specialty laboratories.

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