Andy Sarles, associate professor in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering, has received the prestigious Dr. James C. Conklin Endowed Faculty Fellowship for Mechanical Engineering in recognition of his performance as an outstanding scholar. The five-year award begins in August and during this time Sarles will be recognized as the “James Conklin Fellow.”
“Andy Sarles has been an all-star since the day he came to UT,” said Matthew Mench, interim vice chancellor for research and engagement. “Not only has his research been high-impact, but the quality of education and mentoring he provides his students as well as his contributions to service have been outstanding. I am very grateful to the Conklins for providing the resources to give this to such a deserving member of our department and community.”
Sarles is thankful for the fellowship.
“I am sincerely honored to be selected for the James Conklin Faculty Fellowship,” Sarles said. “The Conklin’s generosity will be instrumental in helping my group grow and diversify in our research.”
MABE alumnus Jim Conklin created the award this year as a way to give back to the department that provided him with an excellent education. Conklin received his BS in mechanical engineering from the University of Connecticut in 1970, his MS in nuclear engineering from MIT in 1971, and his PhD in mechanical engineering from UT in 1989.
He worked as a mechanical engineer at Oak Ridge National Laboratory for 36 years before retiring in 2011. Conklin has been a long-time supporter of the MABE department and was an adjunct professor in the department for several years.