Western Civil and Environmental Engineering professor Hesham El Naggar recently received the Engineering Medal: Research and Development in recognition of his career and accomplishments. Presented by the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers (OPSE) and Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO), the honour was part of the 2015 Ontario Professional Engineers Awards (OPEA).
“Dr. El Naggar is a very worthy candidate of this award,” said Andrew Hrymak, Western Engineering Dean. “He is a leader within our faculty and the engineering profession as a whole.”
For more than 10 years, El Naggar has provided strategic direction for research initiatives in the Faculty of Engineering and the Geotechnical Research Centre. He is a well-known researcher in the international geotechnical engineering community – contributing to various research journals; teaching professional development courses and workshops across North America; and providing consulting services around the world.
Throughout his tenure as Associate Dean (Research), El Naggar has worked with the faculty’s senior leadership team to address complex global issues by developing interdisciplinary and collaborative research areas of strength within the faculty.
“He is also an advocate for partnering with industry to improve the needs of society,” Hrymak continued.
El Naggar is a co-author for the computer program DYNA6.1, which is used worldwide for the design of machine foundations. He has also delivered more than 40 short courses on the design of machine foundations to more than 1,000 Canadian and international practicing engineers.
“Dr. El Naggar is setting the foundation for new best practices in the field of geotechnical engineering,” said Ashraf El Damatty, Chair of Civil and Environmental Engineering. “It is wonderful to see his contributions recognized by his colleagues and peers.”
El Naggar will receive his award at the annual OPEA Gala on Saturday, Nov. 21, at the International Centre in Toronto.