WASHINGTON, D.C. — David Bahr, a Washington State University
mechanical and materials engineering faculty member, was among 59 scientists
and engineers nationwide honored Oct. 24 at the White House.
He received both presidential and U.S. Department of Energy awards.
Bahr was cited for “development of a new technique to determine the strength
of thin film adhesion that will provide insight into the long-term reliability of
electronic components in stockpile,” said a department official.
The Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers was
presented by Neal Lane, assistant to President Clinton for Science and
Technology. With the award is a commitment from the department for
continued funding of Bahr’s work for five years.
He received the department’s Defense Programs Early Career Scientist and
Engineer Award from Ernest Moniz, undersecretary of Energy, Science and
Environment.
In a White House announcement, Clinton said, “These extraordinarily gifted
young scientists and engineers represent the best in our country. Through
their talent, ability, and dedication, they will quicken the pace of discovery and
put science and technology to work advancing the human condition as never
before.”
In addition to continued funding, a citation and plaque went to Bahr and
others winning the Presidential award, the highest honor given by the federal
government to outstanding scientists and engineers who are beginning their
independent careers, said the official.
With WSU since 1997, Bahr’s specialties are mechanical properties of thin
films, micromechanics of fracture, adhesion, corrosion and environmentally
assisted cracking.
Bahr earned his doctoral degree from the University of Minnesota.
The WSU School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering is a school within
in the WSU College of Engineering and Architecture.
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