Here is how a legacy protects lives
Andrew Whittaker elected to the National Academy of Engineering
Andrew S. Whittaker, SUNY Distinguished professor and internationally renowned scholar and engineer, has been elected a member of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) in its Class of 2026.
According to NAE, Whittaker’s election recognizes his work “advancing performance-based earthquake engineering, seismic isolation, and damping systems for buildings, bridges and nuclear power plants.”
Election to NAE is one of the highest professional honors bestowed upon an engineer. For decades, Whittaker has worked to shape civil and structural engineering guidelines, notably American Society of Civil Engineers standards — an authoritative source for codes and standards that protect the public. His leadership has been instrumental in developing Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidelines, seismic evaluations and resilience assessments.
“Election to the National Academy of Engineering reflects the global impact and distinction of Professor Whittaker’s work,” says Kemper Lewis, dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. “His leadership, scholarship, and mentorship have helped shape the fields of civil and earthquake engineering. We are incredibly proud to see his lifetime of dedication to the engineering profession recognized at the highest level.”
