American Society of Civil Engineers Honors Professors, Alum
Wentworth Professors James Lambrechts and Gautham Das, as well as alum Gregory Mirliss, have been honored by the Boston Society of Civil Engineers Section (BSCES) of the American Society of Civil Engineers.
A virtual ceremony took place on June 17 where Lambrechts was named the 2021 Professor of the Year. He was additionally given a 2021 BSCES Honorary Member Award, which honors those with distinguished careers.
A nomination paper signed by 31 of Lambrechts’ current and former students noted the professor’s “impassioned storytelling” and ability to strongly demonstrate both the theory and practical application of a subject.
A longtime expert on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), Lambrechts has authored project-based classes that enable students to design proposals for track improvements and line additions, in addition to introducing students to his many industry connections.
The nomination cited Lambrechts’ dedication to civil engineering and his readiness to make himself available to students for extra help.
“The respect Professor Lambrechts has among his students is a testament to his teaching style, ability, and his pursuit to enrich the life and learning of every student,” read the nomination. “He has left a large impression on his past students who all remember what a great teacher he was to them.”
Gregory Mirliss, a member of the Class of 2007, was given a President's Award, which recognizes his development of the BSCES Strategic Plan and for restarting the BSCES fellowship program. Mirliss is a structural engineer for AECOM.
Gautham Das was also given a President's Award for his work over the last two years as chief editor of the Civil Engineering Practice journal. He is an associate professor at Wentworth and vice president of Albadas, a company created STEM curriculum for underserved communities.
