Henak and Smith Recognized with College Awards

Congratulations to two members of the Mechanical Engineering Department on their 2022 College of Engineering faculty and staff awards, Corinne Henak and Zach Smith!

College of Engineering Dean Ian Robertson presented the nine awards during a reception in the ME building on Tuesday, 3/22.

Professor Corinne Henak received the Faculty Equity and Diversity award for her work to better support women students. She has updated the Women+ in ME program to include regular mentoring meetings with current undergraduates as well as with ME alumnae who are both mentors and role models. Corinne also was involved in designing the introduction to mechanical engineering course for all ME freshmen. The class serves approximately 250 students annually and features hands-on experiences designed to engage the students early and improve their retention.

Research Administrator Zach Smith received the University and Academic Staff Distinguished Achievement award. Dean Robertson highlighted Zach’s exemplary competence and attention to detail that resonates well beyond his department. His tools and processes have enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of administrative tasks associated with research, and those tools have become models at the college and campus levels. Zach is clearly invested in the success of the Principal Investigators he works with.

Congratulations to Corinne and Zach! Thank you for your immeasurable contributions to making our department a great place to be.

Pictured: Corinne Henak and Zach Smith with Department Chair Darryl Thelen