Two Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science professors at The University of Texas at Dallas have received top honors from professional technology organizations for outstanding achievements in their fields.

Dr. Zygmunt Haas, professor of computer science and Distinguished Chair in Computer Science, was elected a fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).

Dr. Reza Moheimani, professor of systems engineering and the James Von Ehr Distinguished Chair in Science and Technology, was elected a fellow of The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).

Dr. Zygmunt Haas

Haas, whose research focuses on advancing wireless and mobile communication networks, was recognized for his contributions to communication and security protocols for ad hoc and sensor networks.

“I am honored and privileged to receive this ACM fellowship. This is a special recognition for me, as I have been extensively involved with the ACM from my early career, contributing extensively to their highly selective conferences and publications,” Haas said. “Especially, I would like to thank the computing community at large and my colleagues in this community for their trust in bestowing on me this honor, as well as UTD for allowing me to develop and promote my research.”

The fellows program recognizes the top 1% of ACM members for their outstanding accomplishments in computing and information technology and/or outstanding service to ACM and the larger computing community. Fellows are nominated by their peers, with nominations reviewed by a distinguished selection committee.

Haas, who joined UT Dallas in 2013, also is a fellow of IEEE, The Institution of Engineering and Technology, and the European Alliance for Innovation.

“It is a great honor being named an ACM fellow, and Zygmunt well deserves this award. It adds to Zygmunt’s other awards and recognition and makes him the second UTD faculty member to become an ACM fellow while at UTD,” said Dr. Ovidiu Daescu, professor and department head of computer science. “This prestigious award not only recognizes the high achievements of the faculty, but also reflects over the department. I am happy to count Zygmunt among my colleagues.”

Dr. Reza Moheimani

Moheimani’s research, which has received support from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, focuses on developing technology for atomically precise manufacturing, the process of building quantum devices atom by atom.

In 2019 he launched the Center for Atomically Precise Fabrication of Solid-State Quantum Devices to use the technology to build the devices.

“I am truly honored and humbled that I have been elected as an ASME fellow. Being recognized by one’s peers for past research contributions is a real honor,” Moheimani said. “I am particularly grateful to my collaborators, colleagues and friends in the Dynamic Systems and Control Division of ASME, and I look forward to continuing my association with this outstanding group of researchers in the future.”

The ASME recognizes members with at least 10 years of active practice for outstanding achievements.

Moheimani, who joined UT Dallas in 2015, is also a fellow of the IEEE, the International Federation of Automatic Control and the Institute of Physics in London.

“Attaining fellow in one’s professional society is a great achievement that only a very small percentage of people earn,” said Dr. Stephen Yurkovich, professor and department head of systems engineering and the Louis Beecherl Jr. Distinguished Chair. “Reza is an outstanding researcher, teacher and mentor, and has contributed a tremendous amount to his field. We are extremely fortunate to count him among the faculty of systems engineering at UT Dallas.”

Accolades is an occasional News Center feature that highlights recent accomplishments of The University of Texas at Dallas faculty and students. To submit items for consideration, contact your school’s communications manager.