Amr Elnashai Named New MAE Center Director

After almost seven years as head of the Mid-America Earthquake Center, Professor Dan Abrams has stepped down as Director. Dan was the leader of the winning proposal that established the Center in 1997. He has worked ever since to build the Center academically and administratively. His dedicated leadership, energy, and vision have made the MAE Center a successful international organization that is a leader in the field of earthquake engineering.

Succeeding Dan as Director is Professor Amr Elnashai. In 2001 Amr moved from Imperial College (London) and joined the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Amr has served as Associate Director of the MAE Center since his arrival at UIUC and has been serving as Acting Director of the Center during Dan recent sabbatical. Amr appointment as Director, endorsed by the Center advisory boards, will provide continuity and bring new energy and vitality to the Center as it approaches renewal and graduation.

Thanks, Dan, for your vision and management of the Center since 1997.

Welcome, Amr, to this challenging and exciting undertaking.