Dr. Tom Durbin named Fellow of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
In recognition of his remarkable contributions to the world of mobility, Dr. Tom Durbin, a seasoned researcher at CE-CERT, has been named a Fellow of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). With nearly three decades of experience under his belt, this achievement stands as a testament to Dr. Durbin's remarkable dedication, innovative contributions, and unwavering commitment to transportation research.
Receiving the SAE Fellow Membership is no small feat. For Dr. Durbin, this honor is a culmination of his 30-year research career in automotive engineering. Reflecting on his achievement, Dr. Durbin expressed his gratitude, "It is certainly an honor to be recognized as a leader in the field of automotive engineering. To be part of a group of prestigious individuals in the field that have received this honor in the past is truly humbling."
Dr. Durbin's journey to the SAE Fellowship is marked by impactful projects and initiatives, from extensive studies characterizing the activity and emission rates of range of vehicles, to new mobile source control technologies, to the impacts of fuel properties, and alternative and renewable fuels on emissions. And that is just to name a few. These projects underline his expertise, work, and leadership- all of which are highly regarded by the SAE in their Fellows.
The journey towards an SAE Fellowship demands dedication, resilience, and developing impactful research strategies. For engineers and researchers aspiring to achieve this recognition, Dr. Durbin offers invaluable advice, emphasizing the significance of persistence and hard work, stressing that addressing engineering challenges often require years of dedicated research and adaptability.
Dr. Durbin’s nomination came from Dr. James Parks of Oak Ridge National Laboratories, a relationship rooted in their shared history at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Though they never collaborated directly, Drs. Durbin and Park have conducted complementary research throughout their careers.
Tom's achievement is not just an individual triumph; it's a victory for CE-CERT as a research organization. Following Prof. Heejung Jung's election as an SAE Fellow in 2021, CE-CERT now boasts two distinguished members representing the center. "It speaks to the importance that CE-CERT’s research programs have had for the automotive sector,” says Dr. Durbin. He recognizes that this success underscores the collaborative efforts of students, technical staff, and researchers, proving that teamwork is fundamental to achieving excellence.
Dean Lynch, Bourns College of Engineering Dean & Professor, expressed his pride, saying, "We are immensely proud of Dr. Tom Durbin's well-deserved recognition as an SAE Fellow. His achievement not only highlights his exceptional dedication and expertise but is also a reflection of CE-CERT’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation in the field of automotive engineering. It is a moment of pride for CE-CERT, showcasing the impactful contributions of our researchers. This honor motivates us to continue our pursuit of cutting-edge research, furthering our mission to revolutionize the future of transportation."
Dr. Durbin's journey to SAE Fellowship is a testament to his unwavering dedication, collaborative spirit, and pioneering research. His story serves as an inspiration, reminding us all that excellence in engineering is not just a destination but a continuous, evolving journey of discovery and innovation. As the automotive industry continues to advance, visionaries like Dr. Durbin pave the way for a sustainable and innovative future.
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