TWO UTAH STATE PROFESSORS AWARDED GOVERNOR’s MEDAL IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Two professors from Utah State University were awarded the 2003 Governor’s Medal in Science and Technology, Utah’s highest honor in those fields. J. Clair Batty and David S. Bowles received the medals May 20 at a luncheon at the governor’s mansion to honor all nine recipients.

The Governor’s Medal award was initiated in 1987 to recognize those that made career achievements or provided distinguished service that has benefited the State of Utah in the areas of Science and Technology in one of five categories: academia, science education, industry, government and a special category.

Batty, head of the department of mechanical and aerospace engineering at Utah State, is one of only six faculty members at Utah State designated Trustee Professor by the USU Board of Trustees. As an expert in energy research, his interests are varied and range from food engineering to cryogenics to thermodynamics.

“He was not just building an instrument‚ or doing an engineering task when he conducted his research,” said James Russell, a professor of physics at Hampton University in Virginia. “He wanted to know why we were doing the mission and what science results would come.”

Batty is known for his work in creating technologies that help sensitive instruments (such as telescopes) operate in environments with extreme temperatures (such as space). To date, his research has brought more than $100 million in research grants to Utah State and the Space Dynamics Laboratory.

“Dr. Batty understood that his greatest accomplishment was to be a master teacher,” said Conly Hansen, former student of Batty and director of the Center for Profitable Uses of Agricultural Byproducts. “He has won many honors for teaching, but perhaps the best honor is the lives and accomplishments of his students.”

“Dr. Batty has personal attributes worthy of emulation such as integrity, a strong work ethic, concern for others,” said Allan Steed, director of the Space Dynamics Laboratory. “He is a good team player and he has a wonderful sense of humor.”

Batty has authored nine books, or chapters in books, and more than 120 journal articles and reports. He was designated as a Senior Fulbright Scholar by the Fulbright Foundation. Batty will retire June 30, following 38 years of service to Utah State University.

David S. Bowles‚ career has been equally as impressive. A professor of civil and environmental engineering at Utah State, Bowles has spent 32 years becoming a leader in dam safety risk assessment. He has served as director of the Utah Water Research Laboratory and has worked with numerous governments and private firms to reduce the severe risks associated with dam failure.

“Dr. Bowles is an enthusiastic and honest water engineer,” said Ronald Sims, assistant director of the Utah Water Research Laboratory. “He has devoted his professional career to enhancing the safety of human life and preserving water resources.”

Bowles has conducted risk assessments on more than 400 dams and provided other related services worldwide in various countries, including England, Australia, Tunisia, Austria, Brazil and Saudi Arabia. His contributions are also local, such as his involvement with the Great Salt Lake flood mitigation and spillway evaluation.

“Dave has been an outstanding mentor for numerous graduate students who have gone on to outstanding careers,” said A. Bruce Bishop, emeritus dean of engineering at Utah State.