Alvi elected fellow of Mechanical Engineering Society
A Florida State University engineering professor has been chosen for one of the top honors in his field: election by his peers to the rank of fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
Farrukh S. Alvi has served on the faculty of the Florida A&M University-Florida State University College of Engineering since 1993. He is known for his work in experimental gas dynamics and flow control, particularly in the use of microjet-based actuators, and holds a number of patents in those areas.
The rank of fellow is the highest elected grade of membership in ASME. Fellowship is conferred upon a member with at least 10 years of active engineering practice and who has made significant contributions to the profession.
"It is an honor to be elected as an ASME fellow," Alvi said. "Of course, none of this would be possible without the great group of students who have worked with me on my research. Collaborating and mentoring bright, hard-working students is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable aspects of my job.
"I also want to acknowledge the support of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the College of Engineering and thank my colleagues, who have supported, encouraged and guided me over the last decade and a half."
In addition to his professorial duties, Alvi serves as director of the Florida Center for Advanced Aero-Propulsion (FCAAP), a consortium of four universities established by the Florida Legislature in 2008 that is charged with advancing aerospace technologies and creating partnerships with national aerospace industries and relevant government agencies. That need is particularly acute as NASA prepares to retire its space shuttle program, a move that could result in the elimination of thousands of high-paying jobs throughout Florida.
"FCAAP fills a huge need in the aerospace and aviation industries for research and development on next-generation aircraft and spacecraft, as well as work-force training to help keep highly skilled and high-paying jobs in Florida," Alvi said. "We aim to become the advisory and technical focal point for the state of Florida in the critical aerospace and related sectors and play a similar role for other aerospace stakeholders such as NASA, the military and private industry — initially within the state and ultimately, in some key areas, nationwide."
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers is a not-for-profit professional organization promoting the art, science and practice of mechanical and multidisciplinary engineering and allied sciences. ASME develops codes and standards that enhance public safety, and provides lifelong learning and technical exchange opportunities benefiting the engineering and technology community.
"It is an honor to be elected as an ASME fellow. Of course, none of this would be possible without the great group of students who have worked with me on my research."
Farrukh S. Alvi
Florida A&M University-Florida State University College of Engineering