A Michigan Technological University professor was presented with an innovation award this month for his work with emissions reduction and fuel consumption in the automotive industry.
John H. Johnson, a presidential professor emeritus at MTU, received the third annual Society of American Engineers Franz F. Pischinger Powertrain Innovation Award.
It'll be presented in Detroit by FEV Inc., the heir company of the award's namesake, professor Franz Pischinger. He was the president and CEO of FEV Motorentechnik GmbH until 2003, and remains Chairman of the Board of the company.
"I am honored that Dr. Johnson is being presented this award," says Pischinger. "His demonstrated leadership and dedication in the classroom, the research lab, and on the national stage exemplifies the spirit of this award."
Johnson started working on engineering issues in the field of diesel emissions in the 1970s, when he helped establish measurement methods used to create the first federal diesel emissions standard. He has continued research into advanced combustion systems in order to meet increasingly strict emissions standards and reduce fuel consumption at the same time.
He currently is chair of a committee exploring new technologies for commercial and military vehicles as part of the 21st Century Truck Partnership.
Johnson has a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Wisconsin, and started teaching at MTU in 1970, eventually serving as department chair.
The Pischinger Powertrain Innovation Award is given by FEV to recognize an engineer who shows exceptional innovation and competence in powertrain design and development.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Franz Pischinger, FEV, Inc.
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