Weber State University has announced a series of faculty honors and student accomplishments across various departments. These recognitions include prestigious awards for engineering research, professional service, and academic excellence.
Dr. Randy Hurd, a mechanical engineering professor at Weber State University, received the 2026 Ig Nobel Prize in Physics. Working alongside Zhao Pan, Tadd Truscott, and Kaveeshan Thurairajah, Hurd conducted research into the physics of splashback. Their study identified an optimal liquid stream angle of approximately 30 degrees, which led to the development of the Nautilus, a curved urinal design inspired by a nautilus shell intended to prevent splashback.
In energy engineering, Dr. An Ho received the Outstanding Professional Award from the U.S. Department of Energy at the annual ITAC Directors’ Meeting. As the Director and Principal Investigator of the Weber ITAC Center, Dr. Ho manages industrial energy assessments, workforce development, and student training. The center was established with $550,000 in federal funding to support regional industry and provide hands-on student experience in energy efficiency.
Other recent university milestones include the appointment of Dr. Dustin Birch as the inaugural Miller Endowed Chair within the College of Engineering, Applied Science and Technology. Dr. Birch, a professor of mechanical engineering and mechanical engineering technology, was recognized for his contributions to the Miller Advanced Research and Solutions Center. Additionally, the university honored Blake Nielson from the Department of Professional Sales at the 56th Annual H. Aldous Dixon Awards.
The university also highlighted diverse student successes, such as Isabel Tuman pursuing an automotive technology degree and a group of students demonstrating robotics at the Women4STEM conference. Furthermore, the university participated in the Weber County Nuclear Energy Symposium and the August Is for Aerospace event in Layton to discuss workforce preparation and space industry innovation.
