Preparing the Next Generation of Bridge Engineers
Lee honored by International Association of Bridge Earthquake Engineering
By Peter Murphy
Published March 6, 2020
George C. Lee, SUNY Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering was recognized by the International Association of Bridge Earthquake Engineering (IABEE).
Lee received the W.P. Yen Award for Lifetime Achievements in Bridge Earthquake Engineering. According to IABEE, the award recognizes Lee for his “leadership in the advancement of bridge safety and reliability against seismic hazards.”
In 1960, Lee joined the Department of Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering. Over the course of his career at UB, he served as Department chair, Dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and University Provost. He was instrumental in securing funding to develop the National Center for Earthquake Engineering Research (NCEER), or present-day MCEER.
IABEE cited Lee’s work with MCEER and the Network for Earthquake Engineering and Simulation (NEES). According to his award, “Under Dr. Lee’s leadership (1992 – 2003), MCEER conducted extensive research and reconnaissance work to better understand the impacts of seismic events on roads, bridges and other components of our built environment and societal institutions, as well as to identify best solutions."