2014 SME International Honor Award Recipients
Six Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) International Honor Awardees were recognized for their significant contributions to manufacturing in the areas of manufacturing technologies, processes, technical writing, education, research and management. Among those was our own, Dr. Marilyn Barger.
Marilyn Barger, PhD, PE, is the Principal Investigator and Executive Director of FLATE - Florida Advanced Technical Education Center. FLATE website Dr. Barger is recognized with the SME Education Award for the development of manufacturing-related curricula for the entire state of Florida, being a leader in manufacturing education both nationally and internationally, and for inspiring students to enter the profession of manufacturing. She is the principal investigator and executive director of FLATE (Florida Regional Center of Excellence for Advanced Technological Education), funded by the National Science Foundation, since 2004. FLATE works closely with manufacturers across Florida serving manufacturing technical education programs statewide.
Dr. Barger earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Agnes Scott College, and both a bachelor’s degree in engineering science and a doctorate in civil engineering (environmental) from the University of South Florida where her research focused on membrane separations for water purification. She has more than 20 years of experience in developing curricula for engineering and engineering technology for elementary, middle, high school and postsecondary institutions, including engineering colleges. She serves on a number of national panels and advisory boards for technical programs, curriculum and workforce initiatives, including the National Association of Manufacturers Educators Council. She is a fellow of the American Society of Engineering Education, and a member of Tau Beta Pi and Epsilon Pi Tau honor societies. She is also a charter member of both the National Academy and the University of South Florida‘s Academy of Inventors. She holds a licensed patent and is a licensed professional engineer in Florida.
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