National Science Foundation's John A. Brighton Speaks at Commencement

The Clark School of Engineering was honored to have the National Science Foundation's Assistant Director for Engineering, John A. Brighton, as the commencement speaker on Sunday, December 21, 2003 at 1:00 p.m. in the Reckord Armory.

Dr. Brighton joined the National Science Foundation in April 2003. Prior to his appointment, he held numerous academic leadership positions. He was provost of National-Louis University; executive vice president and provost, and dean of the College of Engineering at Pennsylvania State University; director of the Mechanical Engineering Department at Georgia Institute of Technology; and chairman of the Mechanical Engineering Department at Michigan State University. Brighton began his career as an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Carnegie-Mellon University and worked his way through the academic ranks to become a professor.

Born in Gosport, Ind., Brighton received his B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Purdue University. His research was focused on the structure of turbulent fluid motion, biofluid mechanics and research related to the development of the artificial heart and heart assist devices.

As an academic leader, Brighton has worked for the general welfare of his faculty and students. In 1994, he established the Women In Sciences and Engineering Institute to enhance recruitment and retention of women students and faculty in these disciplines.

Published December 10, 2003