David Japikse
For his outstanding contributions as an entrepreneur, researcher, and educator in the field of turbomachinery, the Schools of Engineering are proud to present the Distinguished Engineering Alumnus Award to David Japikse.
Dr. Japikse is founder and chief executive officer of Concepts NREC, an internationally renowned engineering firm that, since 1980, has excelled in turbomachinery design and development. He earned his mechanical engineering master s degree in 1967 and doctorate in 1968 from Purdue.
After working for Pratt & Whitney and then serving as Fluid Machinery Division president at Creare, Inc., Dr. Japikse exercised his entrepreneurial instincts. His hands-on technical expertise, pioneering vision, and ethical leadership have proved ideal for guiding ConceptsNREC.
Dr. Japikse is recognized as an engineering educator, researcher, and leader. In 1992, he received the ASME Potter Gold Medal in Thermodynamics and in 1997 was named an Outstanding Mechanical Engineer by Purdue. He is a member of the National Academy of Engineering, a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineering, and president of the Vermont Academy of Science and Engineering.