George M. “Bud” Homsy, professor of mechanical engineering and chemical engineering, has been elected to the prestigious National Academy of Engineering. Homsy was one of 76 new members and 9 foreign associates recently elected by the academy’s members.

The academy cited Homsy for “innovative experimental and theoretical studies of multiphase and interfacial flow phenomena, and for the development of educational materials in fluid mechanics.”

Homsy serves on the faculty of UCSB’s College of Engineering, which now boasts 27 members of the NAE. Election to the academy is one of the highest professional distinctions that can be accorded an engineer.

“This news recognizes the innovative contributions that Professor Homsy has made to both research and education in flow phenomena and fluid mechanics,” said Chancellor Henry T. Yang, who is himself a member of the National Academy of Engineering. “Being elected to this prestigious academy by one’s peers is a significant achievement for my distinguished colleague, and a notable honor for our campus and our community.”

Matthew Tirrell, dean of the College of Engineering and a National Academy member, called Homsy a “master” teacher and researcher. “Bud Homsy has done truly innovative work in the flow of fluids where chemical reactions and surface phenomena play a role,” Tirrell said. “He has also developed some very popular new educational tools for the teaching of fluid mechanics.”

Homsy joined the UCSB faculty in January 2001 after having served on the Stanford University faculty for 30 years. A graduate of UC Berkeley, he earned his master’s and Ph.D. at the University of Illinois. All of his degrees are in chemical engineering.

Of his election to the NAE, Homsy said: “I am grateful to those who nominated me, and I am particularly happy that this honor has come to me while a member of the UC Santa Barbara faculty.”

Homsy added that he was pleased that his citation from the National Academy drew attention to both his research in fluid mechanics and transport, and his contributions to teaching. “Too often these tightly coupled activities are separated in the minds of many people,” he said.

Asked by a student what he had to do to be elected to the National Academy, Homsy replied: “Have good ideas, good students, and work hard. And I’ve been fortunate to have had many great students and to have a spouse who understands the demands created by the ‘hard work’ part.”