Couple establishes named professorship to support research, future leaders

Pablo D. Zavattieri, Jerry M. and Lynda T. Engelhardt Professor in Civil Engineering

Provost Jay Akridge hosted the virtual 2020 Distinguished and Named Professorship Ceremony on November 12th and helped celebrate the inaugural appointment of Pablo D. Zavattieri to the Jerry M. and Lynda T. Engelhardt Professor in Civil Engineering.

Zavattieri's research focuses on the development of novel materials that exhibit paradigm shifting properties for applications that impact the general field of infrastructure and lightweight structural materials. His contributions to micromechanical modeling tools have provided a robust framework for materials, fracture mechanics, smart materials structures and smart composites and have been adopted by such organizations as General Motors and Velcro Companies.

The position is funded by Jerry Engelhardt (BSCE '65, MSIA '66) and his late wife, Lynda, and represents thoughtful consideration on how they could best make a difference at Purdue.

"As we considered various ways of sharing our material blessings, the concept of supporting a professorship in civil engineering fit well with our goal of helping people," said Engelhardt. "Supporting outstanding professors and their research projects as well as developing young future leaders in environmental-, infrastructure- and health-related endeavors was an excellent fit for our interests and Purdue civil is the ideal place to make this happen."

Charitable giving is always personal, and Engelhardt enjoyed learning of a common interest with the faculty member who is the first to take up the legacy of the Engelhardt Professorship. "In talking with Dr. Zavattieri, we realized that we have a mutual hobby of playing musical instruments, Pablo on the acoustic bass while I play piano and organ. I look forward to following Professor Zavattieri's continued successful research and teaching career."

Congratulations to Pablo Zavattieri for his academic appointment and an earnest acknowledgment and resounding "Thank you!" to the Engelhardts for their generosity that makes it possible to attract and retain exceptional faculty to the Lyles School of Civil Engineering.