Pierre D. Mourad is the recipient of the University of Washington Bothell’s 2018 Distinguished Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity Award.

Mourad, who joined UW Bothell in 2013, is a professor in the Division of Engineering and Mathematics in the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). He also holds a joint professorship in the UW Department of Neurological Surgery in Seattle.

Now in its fifth year, the award is presented to a faculty member in recognition of scholarly or creative achievement that exemplifies the University’s standard of excellence. It carries with it a $5,000 honorarium.

Chancellor Wolf Yeigh said Mourad has strengthened the research reputation of the campus.

As noted by the selection committee, Mourad has made significant contributions to his field through publishing journal articles, receiving patents, presenting at conferences and successfully winning multiple external grants for biomedical research involving ultrasound’s interaction with the brain, Yeigh said in a press release.

Mourad pursues research that can have a positive impact on peoples’ lives. One area is technology to rehabilitate stroke patients.

“Not only is the technology interesting,” he said in a press release, “but also I find great value in the pedagogy associated with these projects. I have the good fortune to have students from several degrees involved: nursing and health studies, biology, electrical engineering, computing and software systems, and mechanical engineering. It’s an example of a project that highlights the exciting cross-disciplinary work we can do at UW Bothell and one of the attractions I find here.”

The Alliance for Device Innovation, Mourad’s research lab at UW Bothell, serves as a focal point for readily translatable research projects. Mourad contributes to the culture of undergraduate research as the adviser on capstone assignments in mechanical engineering. He also oversees projects such as a solar powered vegetable cooler and a root cellar with “internet of things” components for community partner 21 Acres, a “living laboratory” farm for sustainable practices in Woodinville, Washington.

“Such opportunities are rare in my experience elsewhere but common at Bothell,” Mourad said in a press release. “Experiential education — where projects compel the students to engage with their education, to choose a degree and go forth in the world and do good — that’s what excites me about UW Bothell. We’re already doing it. We can do it, I believe, even better, and I’m proud to have a role in providing that kind of education at UW Bothell.”