USU Engineering Professor Becomes ASME Fellow

Utah State University professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering Alma P. Moser has been elected a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. The Fellow grade is the highest elected grade of membership within ASME. It recognizes exceptional engineering achievements and contributions to the engineering profession.

Moser has enjoyed a remarkable 44-year career as an outstanding teacher, researcher, administrator and author, said Byard Wood, department head of USU's department of mechanical and aerospace engineering.

"His research and book, “Buried Pipe Design" (published in 1990 and revised in 2001), have strongly influenced the structural designs for buried drainage pipe used throughout the world,” said Wood.

For 29 years Moser has served in key roles in USU’s department of the mechanical and aerospace engineering, including serving time as its department head. He also served as associate dean for USU’s College of Engineering and as an elected official in his community as both councilman and mayor.

“I enjoy teaching and researching at USU, and my job gives me great satisfaction,” said Moser. “I have had students come back over the years and thank me for helping them achieve their dreams, and there is nothing better. Working with the young students keeps me young and involved, and there are wonderful

people at USU.”

Founded in 1880, today's ASME is a 120,000-member professional organization focused on technical, educational and research issues of the engineering and technology community. The society conducts one of the worlds’ largest technical publishing operations, holds numerous technical conferences worldwide and offers hundreds of professional development courses each year. ASME sets internationally recognized industrial and manufacturing codes and standards that enhance public safety.

“It is an honor to be elected Fellow of the ASME,” said Moser. “To be nominated by a fellow and then to actually receive the distinction is a further honor.”

Moser started as a student at USU in 1953 and became a part-time instructor in 1961. He later earned a doctorate from the University of Colorado in civil engineering.