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MOMENTUM • VIRGINIA TECH MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
Amy Elliott , who graduated with a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Virginia Tech in 2013 , has received two significant accolades . In November 2021 , she received the 2021 International Additive Manufacturing Young Professional Award from the American Society for Testing and Materials . The award , which is presented annually , honored her early career research contributions and leadership .
Elliott again achieved recognition in January 2022 , this time by the Knoxville News Sentinel as one of the news outlet ’ s 40 under 40 . This award recognizes East Tennesseans under 40 who are innovating in their industries , making changes in their communities and checking off major accomplishments . Her group of standouts will be formally recognized in a virtual award ceremony on January 20 .
Also in January , she was one of 120 women featured in the IF / THEN exhibit at the Smithsonian Institution to commemorate Women ’ s History Month ( shown at left ). The exhibit , the largest collection of women statues ever assembled , recognized women who have excelled in various STEM fields .
Elliott is a group leader for robotics and intelligent systems at Oak Ridge National Laboratory . In the past , she has been a contestant on the Discovery Channel ’ s Big Brain Theory , an on-camera science personality for The Science Channel ’ s Outrageous Acts of Science , and an IF / THEN Ambassador for the American Association for the Advancement of Science .
Johnny Underwood , Equipment and Facilities Specialist for Mechanical Engineering , is a 2022 nominee for the Virginia Tech President ’ s Award for Excellence .
Melissa Williams , operations manager for the Department of Mechanical Engineering , wrote in a letter of nomination : “ Johnny has been the face of the department throughout the COVID lab shutdowns and , once reopened , ensured that faculty and students were following protocol over the past year and a half . Understanding the importance of each faculty ’ s research and the importance of research to the university , Johnny would assist each lab individually to enable grants to continue . Knowing how important it is for students to graduate on time , Johnny made sure that protective supplies were always in place when needed . This is not an easy task as we are spread over 19 different locations . Johnny is hard working , a team player in every sense , and exemplifies a true sense of Ut Prosim .”