The National Science Foundation (NSF) has selected Deborah J. Goodings as director of the Division of Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation (CMMI) of the Directorate for Engineering. Dr. Goodings, who began her term at NSF on January 26, has served since 2009 as Dewberry Chair Professor of Civil Engineering and Chairman of the Sid and Reva Dewberry Department of Civil, Environmental, and Infrastructure Engineering.
CMMI supports fundamental research and education directed at advances in civil, mechanical, industrial, and manufacturing engineering and materials design, with an additional focus on reducing risks and damage from earthquakes and other natural and technological hazards. These investments lead to advances that promote the global competitiveness of the nation's manufacturing sector and enhance the sustainability and resiliency of the nation's civil infrastructure.
While serving as department chairman, Goodings led faculty and staff in the redirection of the department. Under her leadership, undergraduate and graduate curricula were expanded; laboratory facilities were increased; new programs for graduate student recruitment were launched; new funding resources were identified; outreach to engineering practice and federal research labs was strengthened and broadened; and opportunities for international experience were introduced.
Goodings earned her Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Toronto and her PhD in Geotechnical Engineering at Cambridge University. Her technical expertise is in geotechnical engineering related to sustainability, extreme events, and resilience. She also has expertise in engineering and public policy and in international development engineering. She has more than 60 technical publications, and she served as graduate advisor for 24 students seeking MS degrees and PhDs.
Goodings has been an active member of professional societies and is a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers. She has served on university and agency visiting committees that draw on her research and education expertise, including several National Research Council committees and boards. She was recognized by the Transportation Research Board with the Fred Burggraf Award; by the Department of the Army with the Outstanding Civilian Service Medal; and by the U.S. Universities Council on Geotechnical Engineering Research with their Distinguished Service Award following her service as its President.
George Mason University has granted a leave to Dr. Goodings for the term of her NSF appointment, and the Volgenau School of Engineering's Dean Kenneth Ball has appointed Dr. Liza Durant to lead the CEIE Department in the interim. Dean Ball explains that "Dr. Goodings' appointment will bring considerable visibility and recognition throughout the nation to Mason and our engineering programs, in particular both our Civil and Mechanical Engineering programs, since CMMI is one of the largest NSF Divisions and awards contracts and grants to numerous faculty members and researchers at all of the top universities in the U.S." Dean Ball is also quick to note that "the CEIE Department is very strong and has a very collegial faculty, and together with the capable leadership of Dr. Durant, the department will continue to thrive during Dr. Gooding's temporary assignment at NSF."