Arthur Casagrande Professional Development Award

The Arthur Casagrande Professional Development Award is presented in recognition of outstanding accomplishments as evidenced by completed works, reports or papers in the field of geotechnical engineering. The award was established to provide professional development opportunities for outstanding young practitioners, researchers and teachers of geotechnical engineering.

The 2008 Arthur Casagrande Professional Development Award is presented to Laurie G. Baise, Ph.D., M.ASCE and Jason T. DeJong, Ph.D., M.ASCE. Professor Baise is recognized for outstanding contributions and future potential in geologic hazards and civil engineering, specifically the linkage between geology/seismology and geotechnical engineering. Her innovative research contributions in the area of seismic hazard mapping are particularly noteworthy, where she has performed calculations based on statistical and geostatistical methods to analyze and interpret the variability of geotechnical field data for the purpose of assessing liquefaction potential, an area of study that heretofore has been extensively understudied. Overall, Professor Baise's ability to apply her strong theoretical and practical background to research problems of value to society has been impressive. Professor Baise also is recognized by her peers as an outstanding teacher and mentor, as well as for her dedication and leadership to the geotechnical engineering profession.

Professor DeJong is recognized for his outstanding accomplishments and future potential in the areas of in situ testing for site characterization, the mechanics of soil-structure interface behavior, and biomediated improvement to soils. His accomplishments include developing field equipment to refine characterization of subsurface soil conditions for site development, advancing our understanding of the coupled interaction at the interface between soils and structures under cyclic loading, and advancing our understanding of the interaction between biological processes and the engineering properties of soil, with a specific focus on the use of biomediated processes to control the engineering properties of soils. Professor DeJong also is recognized by his peers as a talented educator and mentor, as well as for his dedication and leadership to the geotechnical engineering profession.