Five with ties to engineering were recognized on October 30
At the 2015 Honors and Awards Ceremony, five engineering alumni were recognized by Iowa State University Alumni Association, the College of Business and the College of Engineering. The event, which celebrated its 84th year, was held at Benton Auditorium in the Scheman Building on Friday, October 30.
Outstanding Young Alumni Award by the ISU Alumni Association
Emily R. Kinser
Political Science & Materials Engineering ’04, MS ’05
New Haven, Connecticut
Emily Kinser is a patent engineer for IBM in East Fishkill, New York, and a graduate research assistant at Yale University, where she has earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and materials science and is currently pursuing a Ph.D., sponsored by IBM. She is a technical expert in the fields of semiconductor processing and integration, as well as biosensor technology, who already has issued 27 patents in her young career.
Citation of Achievement by the College of Business
Balan Nair
Electrical Engineering ’89, MBA ’94
Denver, Colorado
Balan Nair is executive vice president and chief technology officer with Liberty Global Inc. He is responsible for overseeing information technology, product development/management, network operations, and network technology for a customer base that spans two continents and 55 million homes. He also oversees Liberty’s corporate strategy and global supply chain and heads LGI’s technology venture investment portfolio. Nair is an executive officer of Liberty Global, sitting on the company’s executive management committee and investment committee.
Russ and Ann Gerdin Award by the College of Business
Michael McBreen
Chemical Engineering ’88
Lawrence, Kansas
Mike McBreen has had a distinguished, diverse career since graduating from Iowa State and has been a strong community leader in many important endeavors. McBreen, senior vice president for global sourcing and product development with Payless ShoeSource, has 20 years of experience in product development, sourcing, and global supply chain operations. Today, he leads all product development and sourcing functions for Payless ShoeSource, including planning, product development, costing, manufacturing, quality social compliance, and product safety.
Anson Marston Medal by the College of Engineering
Mary Jane Hagenson
Physics & Math ’74, MS Biomedical Engineering ’76, PhD ’80
The Woodlands, Texas
Mary Jane Skogen Hagenson enjoyed an illustrious career as a scientist, technology leader, and corporate executive. She served for 27 years in the petrochemical industry, retiring after 12 years as vice president of research and technology for Chevron Phillips Chemical Company. Her responsibilities included basic and applied research, product development, process engineering, and global technology licensing.
Professional Achievement Citation in Engineering by the College of Engineering
Robert A. Lane
Chemical Engineering ’68
Houston, Texas
Robert (Bob) Lane retired from a 30-year career with the Shell Companies as vice president of Shell Exploration and Production International Ventures, Inc. During his career with the company, he was primarily involved with offshore and onshore exploration and production businesses throughout the U.S. After numerous assignments, he became general manager of engineering for the U.S. Exploration and Production Company and vice president and general manager of Shell Western E. & P. Company, leading oil and gas operations in the onshore U.S. In addition, he held several senior positions in Shell Corporate Planning in Houston and London.
Read more about Hagenson and Lane.
