David L. Wells, professor of industrial and manufacturing engineering, is one of six individuals recognized by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers with a 2011 International Honor Award. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of manufacturing engineering in areas such as manufacturing technologies, technical writing, education, research, management and service to the society.
“SME is proud to pay tribute to these six individuals,” said Paul D. Bradley, the society’s 2011 president. “Through their diligent research efforts and technical achievements, they have each significantly contributed to advancing the manufacturing industry.”
The winners will be honored at the International Awards Gala, which will take place at the society’s Annual Conference, June 5-7, at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue in Bellevue, Wash.
Wells will receive the Joseph A. Siegel Service Award for his significant and unique contributions to the society.
Wells has been a member of the society since 1979 and has been active in a number of pioneering ventures in manufacturing education. Beginning in 1983, he has chaired or co-chaired six SME national and international conferences and workshops, edited or co-edited seven SME proceedings, written or co-written eight SME papers or technical reports and has been an invited presenter at 18 clinics and workshops. He also has served continuously on national SME committees for the past 26 years, often holding more than one post. During the past 12 years, Wells has served on the Accreditation Committee and, more recently, as an adviser for the Manufacturing Education & Research Community. He also is the faculty adviser for NDSU S291.
Other award recipients include Howard A. Kuhn, research consultant and adjunct professor, The Ex One Co. LLC and University of Pittsburgh; Ekkard Brinksmeier, professor for manufacturing technologies, University of Bremen, Germany; W. Tyler Estler, physicist (retired), Precision Engineering Division National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Md.; K. Scott Smith, professor and chair of mechanical engineering and engineering science, University of North Carolina at Charlotte; and Willbert E. Wilhelm, Mike and Sugar Barnes Professor, Texas A&M University, College Station.
For more information about the Society of Manufacturing Engineers International Honor Awards, visit sme.org/honorawards. Nominations for the 2012 SME International Honor Awards are due Aug. 1, 2011.
