Bill was are among the 111 new members and 22 international members elected to the National Academy of Engineering for 2022. Election to the National Academy of Engineering is among the highest professional distinctions accorded to an engineer. Academy membership honors those who have made outstanding contributions to "engineering research, practice, or education, including, where appropriate, significant contributions to the engineering literature" and to "the pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of engineering, or developing/implementing innovative approaches to engineering education."
This 14 kt gold medal “commemorates the civic and humanitarian achievements of engineers.” It is conferred upon an engineer whose professional achievements and personal endeavors have advanced the well-being of humankind.” Administered by a board representing five engineering organizations: The American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the American Society of Civil Engineers, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical and Petroleum Engineers and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. His speech on accepting the Hoover Medal can be read here.
The Public Service Award honors individuals and groups that have made substantial contributions to increasing public understanding of science and engineering in the United States. These contributions may be in a wide variety of areas that have the potential of contributing to public understanding of and appreciation for science and engineering, including: media, education, training programs, and entertainment.
This Gold Medal, and a $12,000 prize, “recognizes an outstanding contribution toward a better public understanding and appreciation of the engineer’s worth to contemporary society.”
For increasing the public appreciation of science. Its purpose is to honor those who have become concurrently accomplished as researchers and/or educators, and as widely recognized magnifiers of the public’s understanding of science.
To recognize, encourage, and stimulate outstanding reporting directly to the public, which materially increases the public's knowledge and understanding of chemistry, chemical engineering, and related fields. The award consists of $5,000, a medallion with a presentation box, and a certificate.
The Edwin F. Church Medal, established in 1972, is awarded to an individual who has rendered eminent service in increasing the value, importance and attractiveness of mechanical engineering education. Education is used here in its broadest sense of preparation for any aspect or level of mechanical engineering through any appropriate mechanism including universities, technical institutes, professional society educational activities, continuing education programs of professional societies and private groups, in-house professional development programs of industrial concerns and governmental agencies, programmed learning and self-instruction systems.
First Prize, 2011, Science OnLine Film Festival (inaugural prize)
Fellow, 2009, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Fellow, 2009, American Institute of Physics
Jefferson Science Fellow, 2005, U.S. Department of State
Science Writing Award, 2004, American Institute of Physics
Distinguished Literary Contribution Furthering the Public Understanding of the Profession, 2004, IEEE
President’s Award, 2003, American Society for Engineering Education
Silver Reel National News & Commentaries, 2003, National Federation of Community Broadcasters
Science-in-Society Award, 2002, National Association of Science Writers
Service to Society Award, 2002, American Institute of Chemical Engineers
Teacher-Scholar Award, 1993, Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation
The ExxonMobil Award Faculty Fellowship in Solid State Chemistry, 1992, American Chemical Society
