Pratt & Whitney Employees to be Inducted into Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering

HAMDEN, Conn., May 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Two current Pratt & Whitney employees and one retired Pratt & Whitney employee will be inducted into The Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering at a ceremony this evening at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn. Dr. Alan H. Epstein, vice president, Technology and Environment, Pratt & Whitney; Dr. David U. Furrer, senior fellow discipline lead, Materials and Processes Engineering, Pratt & Whitney; and Allan J. Brockett, former vice president, Engineering-Module Centers, Pratt & Whitney, will join an additional 30 new members of Connecticut's leading experts in science, engineering and technology. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX) company.

According to the Academy, members are elected based on scientific and engineering distinction achieved through significant contributions in theory or applications, as demonstrated by original published books and papers, patents, the pioneering of new and developing fields and innovative products, outstanding leadership of nationally recognized technical teams, and external professional awards in recognition of scientific and engineering excellence.

"We congratulate Alan, David and Allan for their exceptional impact and hard work over the years in the design and engineering of game-changing technology, such as Pratt & Whitney's PurePower® Geared Turbofan™ engine and F135 engine program," said Tom Prete, vice president, Engineering, Pratt & Whitney. "Pratt & Whitney will never stop pioneering and improving commercial and military aviation engine technology, and this continued industry recognition of our employees communicates that steadfast dedication and innovative spirit."

The Pratt & Whitney engineers are being recognized for the following achievements:

Dr. Epstein: For directing and coordinating technology across the company as it applies to product performance and environmental impact. For example, Epstein's innovative ideas include game-changing developments for the company's PurePower® Geared Turbofan™ engine that slashes fuel burn, gate-to-gate, by up to 16 percent and reduces aircraft engine noise pollution by up to 75 percent. Epstein holds a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and PhD in Aeronautics and Astronautics from MIT. He holds numerous patents and has published more than 100 academic articles.

Dr. Furrer: For the development and application of materials and process modeling to support component design optimization. He has also written a number of papers and led a number of symposia in the area of Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME).

Mr. Brockett: For his outstanding technical contributions to advanced military and commercial gas turbine engine technologies. For example, Brockett is responsible for developing advanced technologies associated with the F135 engine, which is exclusive power for the U.S. F-35 Lightning II. Brockett is also a 2011 recipient of the Distinguished Engineering Service Award from the University of Connecticut School of Engineering. 

The Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering is a private, nonprofit, public-service institution patterned after the National Academy of Sciences. The Academy identifies and studies issues and technological advances that are or should be of concern to the people of Connecticut, and provides unbiased, expert advice on science- and technology-related issues to state government and other Connecticut institutions. It is comprised of distinguished scientists and engineers from Connecticut's academic, industrial, and institutional communities. Membership is limited by the Academy's Bylaws to 400 members.

The Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering was chartered by the Connecticut General Assembly in 1976 to provide expert guidance on science and technology to the people and to the state of Connecticut, and to promote the application of science and technology to human welfare and economic well-being. For more information about the Academy, please see www.ctcase.org.

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines, auxiliary and ground power units and small turbojet propulsion products. United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Connecticut, is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries. To learn more about UTC, visit the website or follow the company on Twitter: @UTC.

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SOURCE Pratt & Whitney