Farhad Memarzadeh, Ph.D., P.E., Director of the Office of Research Facilities (ORF), Division of Technical Resources, was selected as the Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health 2009 Top Ten Federal Engineers of the Year by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE) (www.nspe.org) . He received the award at an NSPE awards ceremony on February 19.

Dr. Memarzadeh is an internationally recognized expert on biomedical research laboratories and has conducted pioneering research using advanced numerical analysis to study different aspects of infection transmission, including the interaction between the human cough and the building ventilation system. Through his research, he was able to optimize building systems to simultaneously improve energy efficiency and infection control. His innovative design approach, which will be reflected in the 2010 Health Care Guidelines, will revolutionize the construction of new isolation rooms and the renovation of existing ones. In addition to this work, Memarzadeh spearheaded the development of American National Standard Institute Standard Z9.11-Laboratory Decommissioning standard which provides the research community the first authoritative guidelines on decommissioning a research laboratory in preparation for renovation or demolition.

 Memarzadeh has been the principal investigator on numerous groundbreaking research studies. His findings have set Standards for better indoor air quality and greater energy conservation. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the America Institute of Architects (AIA) -Hospitals and Clinics Design Manual have adopted findings of his research.

  Memarzadeh has authored 4 books and written over 45 scientific research and technical papers in peer reviewed journals. He has been a guest and keynote speaker at over 50 international scientific and engineering conferences and symposia.

 Memarzadeh has received numerous national awards and commendations including;

• Six (6) NIH Director's awards,
  
  
• Four (4) NIH Merit Awards,
  
  
• Three (3) National Society of Professional Engineers- Top Ten Federal Engineer of the year awards,
  
  
• Two (2) Public Health Service- Engineer of the Year awards,
   
  
• Five (5) Scientific/Engineering Literary awards for outstanding scientific publications and;
  
  
• Several commendations from the United States Senate for outstanding research on energy and environmental measures.

 The National Society of Professional Engineers is the national society of licensed professional engineers from all disciplines that promotes the ethical and competent practice of engineering, advocates licensure, and enhances the image and well-being of its members.

 The National Society of Professional Engineers’ Federal Engineer of the Year Award (FEYA) program, now in its 30th year, is the only national award specifically recognizing and highlighting outstanding engineers employed by the Federal government. Hailing from all federal agencies, departments, and military branches, the nominated engineers are evaluated based on factors such as engineering achievements, education, professional and technical activities, awards and honors, and civic and humanitarian activities.

Farhad Memarzadeh, Ph.D., P.E. Receiving Plaque for HHS and NIH 2009 Top 10 Federal Engineers of the Year

Please join us in congratulating Farhad for the inspiring work he has accomplished to merit this prestigious award.