2002 Science in Society Journalism Awards

Radio

William S. Hammack

“Engineering and Life”

WILL-AM580 and Illinois Public Radio

Description

William S. Hammack, associate professor for chemical engineering, University of Illinois, and Illinois Public Radio, won in the radio category for “Engineering and Life,” WILL-AM580, Urbana, Ill. (June 5, 2001-May 31, 2002). The judges simply fell in love with William Hammack. His clever commentaries about extraordinary and ordinary things and how they came to be opens a window on engineering, science, discovery, and their role in our world. Prof. Hammack is a true storyteller, drawing in the listener with his fine writing.

Biography

Bill Hammack

Bill Hammack has written and broadcast over 175 public radio commentaries on engineering and technology. Rather than focusing simply on how things work, Bill explores the role and ramifications of science and technology within the broader society. His work was best described recently by Science magazine: “Bill Hammack can rhapsodize over the clever design of a soda can or a Scotch tape dispense. Every week he explores the genesis of ordinary things such as superglue, contact lenses, the Internet, matches, and even SPAM, the canned meat. His light, often humorous essays also provide insight into the cultural forces that speed or hamper the acceptance of new products and the inventors’ often unexpected sources of inspiration.” [Science May 17, 2002 p. 1207]

Among the awards and honors he’s received for his radio work are the Edwin F. Church Medal from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Service to Society Award from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and the Silver Reel for National News & Commentary from the National Federation of Community Broadcasters.

Bill teaches chemical engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He earned a B.S. in chemical engineering at Michigan Technological University; and his M.S. and Ph.D at the University of Illinois. Immediately after graduation he taught engineering in Pittsburgh at Carnegie Mellon,University of Illinois.

At Illinois he has focused on teaching the public about engineering. In addition to his radio work Bill teaches a novel General Education course on engineering for students of all majors — including history, business, and dance!

He lives in Urbana, Illinois with his wife, Amy.

Science in Society Journalism Awards:
2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997 | 1996
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