After only just a year at the University of Utah, chemical engineering associate professor Kody Powell has already been given the Faculty Recognition Award from the university’s Career Services. He is the only member from the College of Engineering to receive one this year.
The awards, given to “outstanding faculty who have made significant contributions to their students’ professional development,” is based on nominations made by students. Twenty awards were given out this year. The recipients will be honored during a breakfast on April 7.
“I really want to help my students to get employed,” Powell said. “Our college has grown so rapidly, and we want to make sure we place these students in good jobs.”
Powell, who arrived at the U in January 2016, is a native of Huntington, Utah. He received his bachelor’s in chemical engineering from the University of Utah and earned a doctorate in chemical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin in 2013. He has worked for Fairchild Semiconductor in West Jordan as well as for ExxonMobil Research and Engineering in Texas.
Powell’s research focuses on smart energy and manufacturing systems and using real-time data to enhance their performance. He has received grants from the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program and the University of Texas at Austin Office of Sustainability.
Other recipients of the award from the College of Engineering include mechanical engineering assistant professor Ashley Spear, chemical engineering assistant professor (lecturer) Tony Butterfield and Entertainment Arts & Engineering assistant professor (lecturer) Ryan Bown.