University Libraries will present a Faculty Acknowledgement Award to John Russell, professor, School of Engineering, Friday, Jan. 21, at 2 p.m. in the Willard Reading Room of Zimmerman Library. The ceremony will include a talk by Russell on “The Formula for Success: Unique Course Teaches Automotive Engineering and Life Skills.”
Russell’s varied background includes a 26-year career in the U.S. Air Force as the lead engineer on the development of the AC-130 gunship where he flew more than 50 combat missions in Southeast Asia.
He has spent time as an associate professor in the engineering department of the U.S. Air Force Academy, and was a team leader responsible for the beam control system of the Airborne Laser Laboratory – the first aircraft to successfully shoot down an incoming air-to-air missile using a high-energy laser.
Russell was the director of the Air Force High Energy Laser and Space Technology Directorates at the Air Force Research Laboratory on Kirtland Air Force Base when he retired from the military.
Russell came to the University of New Mexico in 1993. He has served as director of Research for the School of Engineering, associate dean and chair of the Mechanical Engineering Department. He currently teaches vibrations, controls and the Formula SAW Racecar Design, Build Test and Compete courses at UNM. Russell will have the car built by his students on display before and after the event.
A reception with light refreshments will follow the award ceremony.
Contact: Karen Wentworth, (505) 277-5627