FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - An assistant professor in the mechanical engineering department at the University of Arkansas has been awarded a 2007 Ralph E. Powe Faculty Enhancement Award by Oak Ridge Associated Universities. Douglas Spearot will receive a $5,000 grant from the award, which will enhance his research and professional growth. In addition, the University of Arkansas will match the $5,000 to bring the sum of the award to $10,000.

Spearot’s research focus is in the area of structure-property relationships on the nanoscale.

Spearot has been with the College of Engineering since 2005. He received a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 2005.

The Powe award recognizes faculty members for their work in any of five science and technology disciplines: engineering or applied science; life sciences; mathematics and computer science; physical sciences; and policy, management or education.

The grants can be used to purchase equipment, underwrite research expenses or help defray travel costs for professional meetings or conferences.

Faculty members who are within two years of their initial tenure-track appointments as assistant professors are eligible for the grants.

“Doug is the third mechanical engineering assistant professor to receive the Powe award within the past three years. Min Zou received the award in 2005, and Sulin Zhang in 2006,” said Joseph J. Rencis, professor and head of the mechanical engineering department.