In particular, manufacturing systems and management professor Tarek Shraibati was singled out for his work with the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (F.I.R.S.T.) Robotics Competition. He was conferred with the Distinguished Engineering Educator of the Year Award.

Each year, Shraibati and his students donate hundreds of hours of their time working with local high school students as they design and build their own robots. Those robots are then judged in regional competitions. The goal is to encourage an interest in engineering or computer sciences in young people.

"It comes as no surprise that Professor Shraibati would be singled out as this year's distinguished educator," said S.T. Mau, dean of Cal State Northridge's College of Engineering and Computer Science. "Through his countless hours of dedication, Professor Shraibati not only has inspired students to pursue a college education, he has been there every step of the way to ensure that they complete their degrees."

Shraibati received his award at a special dinner on Saturday, Feb. 28.

Also honored that night were civil engineering and applied mechanics professor Edward Larson, who received the council's Distinguished Engineering Educator Award. Electrical and computer engineering professors Robert Burger and Bruno Osorno and Theresa Jester, chair of the college's Industrial Advisory Board and a senior director of engineering and operations at Shell Solar Industries, received the council's Outstanding Engineering Achievement Merit Award.

"The breadth of diversity and the high standard of quality the college maintains is evidenced in distinguished alumni like Terry Jester and the dedicated faculty selected for honors this year," Mau said.

The San Fernando Valley Engineers' Council was established to advance the art and science of engineering for the general welfare of mankind.

Cal State Northridge's College of Engineering and Computer Science is home to several nationally recognized programs where students gain valuable hands-on experience working alongside faculty members and industry professionals on cutting-edge research.