The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) has elected 74 new members and 10 foreign associates, NAE President Wm. A. Wulf announced February 11, 2005. This brings the total U.S. membership to 2,195 and the number of foreign associates to 178.
Two Chinese Americans were elected: Chau-Chyun Chen, technology fellow, Aspen Technology Inc., Cambridge, Mass. For contributions to molecular thermodynamics and process-modeling technology for designing industrial processes with complex chemical systems, and Ralph T. Yang, Dwight T. Benton Professor of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. For the development of the theory, methods, and materials for the removal of environmentally hazardous compounds from transportation
Election to the National Academy of Engineering is among the highest professional distinctions accorded an engineer. Academy membership honors those who have made outstanding contributions to "engineering research, practice, or education, including, where appropriate, significant contributions to the engineering literature" and to the "pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of engineering, or developing/implementing innovative approaches to engineering education."