We are pleased to announce that Jonathan P. Stewart, Professor and Vice Chair, will be awarded the 2008 Walter L. Huber Civil Engineering Research Prize at the ASCE Annual Convention in November 2008. Jonathan is being recognized for his research in geotechnical earthquake engineering, with emphasis on soil-structure interaction, site effects on earthquake ground motions, and seismic ground failure of unsaturated soil. Professor Stewart’s research has facilitated the development of practical models for analysis of important seismic phenomena that were largely ignored in years past, and his efforts have been incorporated into national design standards, including national design standards including ASCE-41, FEMA-440 and the NEHRP Provisions for the Seismic Design of New Buildings.

In July 1946, the Board of Direction authorized annual awards on recommendation by the Society's Committee on Research to stimulate research in civil engineering. In October 1964, Mrs. Alberta Reed Huber endowed these prizes in honor of her husband, Walter L. Huber, Past President, ASCE. Research Prizes are awarded to ASCE members for notable achievements in research related to civil engineering. Preference is given to young researchers, generally under 40 years of age, of early accomplishment who can be expected to continue fruitful careers in research.

UCLA Civil Engineering faculty have an impressive track record with respect to this prestigious award. Previous winners from UCLA are:

Kenneth L. Lee, 1970

Lucien Schmit, 1970

Keith Stolzenbach, 1979

Gary Hart, 1981

Mike Stenstrom, 1989

Menachem Elimelech, 1996

Woody Ju, 1997