Observers gain experience of science policy and diplomacy through exposure to the functions and responsibilities of the National Committee, as well as learning about opportunities for further engagement with USNC/TAM. The observer is invited to the Committee dinner at the meeting and hotel accommodation for the night of the dinner is covered by the Committee. The Committee anticipates selecting one or two Young Observers each year, with the possibility of inviting additional young mechanicians to participate in the Annual Meeting as Friends of the Committee (invited guests).

A young professional is considered to be someone who is within 10-15 years of receiving his or her PhD and/or first professional appointment in an engineering or related field.

Application Procedure

A call for nominations is typically issued to the member societies in the fall of each year and each society is encouraged to submit one or more nominations. Nomination materials consist of up to one page of description of the nominee’s achievements in technical and leadership activities and the likely benefits to the nominee and the USNC/TAM of their participation as a Young Observer. For more information, or to submit a Young Observer nomination, please contact the Secretary of the USNC/TAM.

Past Young Observers and Friends of the Committee

2021 Young Observer: Prof. Arezoo Ardekani
Purdue University

Friends of the Committee: Prof. Samantha Daly
UC Santa Barbara

Prof. Yong Zhu
North Carolina State University

2020 Young Observer: Prof. Sinan Keten