Thurow named Educator of the Year

From left: Jackie Dannenberg, Brian Thurow, award recipient; Honors and Awards Director John Dankanich; and 2014-2015 Section Chair    Ken Philippart

Brian Thurow, W. Allen and Martha Reed associate professor in Auburn University’s Department of Aerospace Engineering, was selected for the Konrad Dannenberg Educator of the Year Award presented by the Greater Huntsville Section of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).

The award is given each year to an AIAA section member in recognition of outstanding service to education and promotion of math and science within the community. Dannenberg was a German-American rocket pioneer who was an advocate of education in the community, an active member of the AIAA and a supporter of the aerospace industry.

“I am extremely honored to be recognized by my industry peers for such a prestigious award,” Thurow said. “Engaging with students on research projects and providing support and advice is what makes my job worthwhile. I am proud to be a member of the AIAA and look forward to working together to positively impact the industry.”

Thurow has served as the Department of Aerospace Engineering’s AIAA faculty adviser and is also the department’s graduate program officer. In addition, he is a mentor for undergraduate student research, and is the founding faculty adviser for the Council of Engineering Graduate Students.  Thurow’s research centers on the development of advanced flow diagnostics, with his most recent work focused on the development of plenoptic camera technology for 3-D flow visualization.

Thurow was formally recognized for his award at the 63^rd Annual Awards Dinner, sponsored by the AIAA Greater Huntsville Section.