June 21, 2021

2021 Engineering Educator of the Year
Dr. Doug Hunsaker
Utah State University
Nominated by AIAA
Dr. Doug Hunsaker has been teaching at Utah State University since January 2014. His research focuses on computational methods ranging from potential flow to full Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes computational fluid dynamics (RANS CFD) for two-dimensional and three-dimensional modeling and optimization. These research efforts support improved aircraft efficiency interests of NASA and the Air Force Research Lab and the rapid design and optimization needs of the emerging drone industry. Doug also has a strong interest in studying unsteady flows as they pertain to flapping flight.

2021 Engineer of the Year
Tait Ketchum, S.E.
Dunn Associates, Inc.
Nominated by SEAU
Tait Ketcham has been a strong advocate for the structural engineering profession in Utah for over 25 years and has fostered improvements in design processes and given back to the practice throughout his career. He has served on the SEAU legislative committee, working closely with the Utah State Legislature to initiate the Structural Engineer’s Practice Act, setting policy, and raising the bar for the entire profession. Tait has served his professional society in progressively increasing positions of responsibility and authority, on its Board and as SEAU President. He has provided mentoring and outreach though The Civil Engineering Academy, elementary schools, and SEAU Young Member events, promoting STEM learning and inciting an interest in engineering and math though his passion for the profession. Being the ultimate “Team-First” guy, Tait attributes his consideration for this award as the result of the esteemed mentors and industry associates he has collaborated with throughout the years, and the loving support of his wife and family.

When I was originally asked to speak, I thought I would talk about the U.S. Air Force’s YAL-1A Airborne Laser aircraft because it was the engineering marvel of its time. But this year’s theme for the annual UEC Banquet was “Imagining Tomorrow.” We celebrated the engineering scholarship recipients and people who are advancing within their professional societies, so I decided to talk instead about a little bit of the technology changes I’ve seen in my lifetime and where I think we are going.