TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Dr. Robert Taylor, professor of mechanical engineering at The University of Alabama, was recently elected to the grade of fellow by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

According to the award letter, Taylor has made significant contributions in both engineering education and research. His research in the prediction of heat transfer and skin friction effects for flow over rough surfaces has led to design tool development in this area. He has made advancements in the application and analysis of engineering design and has developed an inverse heat conduction model for castings.

Taylor received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from Mississippi State University and Purdue University, respectively. He received a doctorate in mechanical engineering from Mississippi State University.

Fellow is the highest elected grade of membership within ASME, recognizing exceptional engineering achievements and contributions to the engineering profession. ASME is a technical organization with 125,000 members. The organization develops codes and standards that enhance public safety, and provides lifelong learning and technical exchange opportunities benefiting the engineering and technology community.

In 1837, The University of Alabama became one of the first five universities in the nation to offer engineering classes. Today, UA’s fully accredited College of Engineering has about 1,900 students and nearly 100 faculty. In the last seven years, students in the College have been named USA Today All-USA College Academic Team members, Goldwater scholars, Hollings scholars and Portz scholars.

The University of Alabama, a student-centered research university, is in the midst of a planned, steady enrollment growth with a goal of reaching 28,000 students by 2010. This growth, which is positively impacting the campus and the state’s economy, is in keeping with UA’s vision to be the university of choice for the best and brightest students. UA, the state's flagship university, is an academic community united in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians.