Prof. David Schiraldi, received the Case School of Engineering Research Award for senior faculty for his pioneering work in the area of clay-based aerogel composite materials.  Prof. Schiraldi also was awarded startup funds for commercializing these innovative materials when he won the North Coast Nanotechnology Business Idea competition last semester.  A team of two Ph.D. students and three undergraduate researchers are currently developing new light weight composites based on the clay aerogels.  Prof. Schiraldi also received citations for dedication in undergraduate teaching from the Case School of Engineering this year.

Prof. Schiraldi also received the 2008 John S. Diekhoff Award for Outstanding Graduate Mentoring. This annual award is given to two faculty members that have made exemplary contributions to graduate students through advising and mentoring. Its purpose is to honor John S. Diekhoff, who served CWRU and WRU from 1956-70 as professor and chairman of English, dean of Cleveland College, acting dean of the graduate school, and vice provost. The award is presented annually to faculty members who have made exemplary contributions to the education and development of graduate students at Case Western Reserve University through work in the classroom, as an advisor, and as a mentor. Part of the prestige of this award is that the process by which winners are selected is run entirely by graduate students. The award consists of a plaque and honorarium that will be presented at the University's annual commencement convocation.

Student Awards:

• Matt Gawryla: First Place 2008 Research ShowCase competition. * 2007 and 2008 Graduate Dean’s Instructional Excellence Awards. * 2008-09 Provost's Opportunity Fellowship.
• Henry Milliman: 2008 Graduate Dean's Instructional Excellence Award
• Chun Zhou: 2006-08 Provost's Opportunity Fellowship