Koichi Masubuchi, professor of ocean engineering and materials science and co-director of the Fabrications Laboratory, recently received an award from the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers for the best paper in the materials and fabrication division published in the Society's journal in 1995. The paper, co-authored by Professor Masabuchi, was entitled "Development of Arc Welding Process Applied to Construction and Repair of Space Vehicles and Structures in Space."
Eugene R. Chamberlain, a former international students' advisor, associate dean and associate director of admissions who retired in 1986 after more than 30 years at MIT, was named Citizen of the Year by the Hingham (MA) Journal. In its March 29 edition, the newspaper noted his leadership of the town historical society and volunteer work for several local schools, the town library and a church. "It is because of his enthusiasm and energizing that so many others work so hard for [our town]," wrote one person who nominated him for the honor.
The 1998 Dr. Robert H. Goddard Memorial Trophy was presented to Professor Sheila Widnall of aeronautics and astronautics by the National Space Club in March. "During her service as Secretary of the Air Force from 1993-97, Dr. Widnall displayed extraordinary vision and strength of purpose in leading the US Air Force efforts to modernize the space and launch systems of the Department of Defense and enhance the integration of space operations into the military services of the United States," her citation read. Past MIT winners of the Goddard Trophy include Charles S. Draper (1978) and Robert C. Seamans Jr. (1968).
Three MIT students -- seniors Noemi Giszpenc of writing and humanistic studies and Lin-Ann Ching of architecture, and Xiaomin Mou, a sophomore in electrical engineering and computer science -- have been awarded the Kawamura Visiting Fellowship to Japan for this summer. Four fellowships are awarded each year, split between Harvard and MIT students. The program, co-sponsored by Kawamura Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. in Nagoya, Japan, is designed to promote cultural exchange and better mutual understanding between the Japanese people and outstanding students from the two universities.
A version of this article appeared in MIT Tech Talk on April 8, 1998.
