Two alumni of the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science have achieved one of the highest distinctions of the engineering profession — election to the National Academy of Engineering.
Shailendra V. Bordawekar and Jose E. Tabora were elected with the recently announced Class of 2024. Membership in the academy honors those who have made outstanding contributions to engineering through research, practice or education.
Bordawekar (1999) and Tabora (1996) earned Ph.D. degrees in chemical engineering at UVA.
Innovative Leaders in Pharmaceutical Research, Development and Manufacturing
Bordawekar, who is vice president of small molecule chemistry, manufacturing and controls development at AbbVie Inc., was elected to the NAE for his “leadership in the pharmaceutical industry, developing life-saving medicines, influencing regulations, and advocating for women in engineering,” according to the citation.
Tabora is the senior scientific director for chemical process development at Bristol Myers Squibb. His citation for election to the academy recognizes his “pharmaceutical process development through innovations in modeling, design of experiments and data analysis.”
Both also are active members of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.
Good Training for Pharmaceuticals — and Many Other ChemE Careers
Perhaps not coincidentally, Bordawekar and Tabora both trained under the same advisor, William Stansfield Calcott Professor of Engineering Robert J. Davis.
“Serving as faculty advisor to such gifted graduate students is one of the best aspects of my job at UVA, and I am very pleased that their successful careers were recognized by the NAE,” said Davis, whose many accolades include the American Institute of Chemical Engineers’ R.H. Wilhelm Award in Chemical Reaction Engineering.
In Davis’ lab, Bordawekar and Tabora studied catalytic materials, a critical subfield in chemical engineering in which Davis is well known for his research. Catalysis investigates the fundamental physics, chemistry and design of materials (catalysts) that facilitate desired chemical reactions, such as synthesizing drug molecules.
In recognizing Bordawekar’s and Tabora’s achievements, UVA Engineering dean and the Saunders Family Professor of Engineering Jennifer L. West, herself a member of both the NAE and the National Academy of Medicine, acknowledged the importance of alumni’s shared UVA experience.
“It is truly remarkable that both of these individuals completed their Ph.D. research under the guidance of Professor Bob Davis,” West said. “This highlights the impact of Bob’s mentorship, research and dedication to providing our students with the best possible education.”
Davis continues to mentor and advise UVA graduate students and postdoctoral researchers.