Faculty Directory

West, James

West, James

Adjunct Professor
Civil and Environmental Engineering

EDUCATION

Ph.D., North Texas State University, 1983

M.A., University of Texas Austin, 1978

B.A., University of Texas Austin, 1976

Meet the A. James Clark Scholars Class of ’28

In Fall 2024, UMD welcomed 11 exceptional young engineers from across the state of Maryland as its newest class of Clark Scholars.

UMD, Partners Receive $31M for Semiconductor Research

Maryland engineers will help advance domestic production under a federal grant.

New features on ingestible capsule will deliver targeted drugs to better treat IBD, Crohn’s disease

Latest iteration of medical device features dissolving microneedles for drug delivery; external magnetic control

Maryland Engineering: Top 10 Among Public Graduate Programs, Six Years Running

For the sixth consecutive year, the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland ranks among the country’s top 10 public universities in graduate engineering programs, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2024–25 rankings.

Reflecting on a Successful 2023–24 Academic Year

As we come to the close of another academic year, it is a time to celebrate the achievements of our faculty, staff, students—and especially our graduates!

UMD, Booz Allen Hamilton Announce Collaboration with MMEC

Relationship will help enhance nation’s semiconductor technology.

Transforming Engineering: Highlighting Maryland Engineers

In celebration of Black History Month, we highlight the many impactful contributions of Black engineers in our community—students, alums, faculty, and staff—to the Clark School, our university, and world.

Meet the A. James Clark Scholars Class of '27

In Fall 2023, UMD welcomed 10 exceptional young engineers from across the state of Maryland as its newest class of Clark Scholars.

Clark Scholars Program Network: Another Powerful Tool for Student Success

Every person has the potential for greatness. As educators, we have the privilege and responsibility of helping them achieve it. That is what we strive to do in the A. James Clark School of Engineering.

Dean's Circle Spotlight: Sparking Opportunity and Success

Fifty-one years and two UMD degrees since he first suited up, Randy Shearman '85, M.S. '92 continues his firefighter service with West Hills Regional Fire Department.

Students to Attempt Precision Balloon Launches During Eclipses

Maryland Nearspace will lead a group of ballooning teams in NASA’s National Eclipse Ballooning Project.

Powering a Greener Future

Engineering Sustainability Day showcases entrepreneurial talent

Sochol Named “Rising Star” in Advanced Materials Technologies

UMD faculty member Ryan Sochol recognized in journal's March 10th issue.

Recent Bioengineering Graduate Awarded National Mitchell Scholarship

Neelesh Mupparapu (B.S. bioengineering '22) named one of 12 winners to pursue graduate study in Ireland

UMD Welcomes A. James Clark Scholars Class of '26

The A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland welcomes 11 exceptional young engineers from across the state of Maryland as its newest class of A. James Clark Scholars.

From Community College to Ph.D.

Clark Opportunity Transfer Scholar Nathanial (Nate) Ferlic embraced academic career at Maryland.

Engineering at Maryland magazine celebrates the power of philanthropy, impact on students

In this issue, join our celebration of the university reaching its ambitious $1.5B fundraising goal during Fearless Ideas: The Campaign for Maryland.

NCC-PDI Now Accepting Pediatric Medical Device Pitches

Annual “Make Your Medical Device Pitch for Kids!” competition to award up to $150,000 in FDA-sponsored grants.

Three UMD Alums Elected to National Academy of Engineering

Richard O'Neill ('66), Pradeep Sharma (Ph.D. '00) and Leslie Shoemaker (Ph.D. '90) have been elected to the 2022 NAE Class.

Clark School's Online Engineering Programs Ascend to No. 12 National Rank

The A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland rose to No. 12 among online graduate engineering programs in the U.S., according to rankings released today by U.S. News & World Report.

UMD Welcomes A. James Clark Scholars Class of ’25

Maryland Engineering welcomes 10 exceptional young engineers from across the state of Maryland as its newest class of A. James Clark Scholars.

Assessing Nuclear Risk: CEE, ME Faculty Collaborate on New Tools

Research aims to explore updates to risk assessment tools and methods used by the nuclear industry.

UMD joins NSF-funded revolutionary $25M center for optoelectronic, quantum technologies

The University of Maryland is one of 11 academic institutions that make up the Center for Integration of Modern Optoelectronic Materials on Demand (IMOD).

UMD Leads New $25M NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institute for Robust Quantum Simulation

New institute will significantly add to the vibrant quantum research ecosystem established in the mid-Atlantic region.

Fired Up Over Inequities

A team of engineering undergraduates explores factors behind disproportionate fire risk in developing nations.

The Lasting Legacy of George Dieter, 1928-2020

The Clark School community mourns the loss of George E. Dieter, who served as dean of engineering at the University of Maryland from 1977-94.

Assessing Natural Hazard Risks to Nuclear Facilities

The DOE has awarded nearly $800,000 to a team led by assistant professor Michelle (Shelby) Bensi.

UMD Welcomes A. James Clark Scholars Class of '24

The A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland welcomes 10 exceptional young engineers from across the state of Maryland as its newest class of A. James Clark Scholars.

New government partner joins UMD’s Center for Research in Extreme Batteries

National Institute of Standards and Technology to collaborate

UMD Co-Leads Study That Could Aid Identification of Cell Defects

Siddhartha Das and collaborators find a link between DNA base pair mismatches and the location of supercoiling.

American Helicopter Museum Honors UMD Organ Flight

Aerospace engineering department nets a second Achievement Award.

History-Making Organ Flight Honored with Industry Award

 AUVSI’s XCELLENCE Awards Announced; UMD Wins in Humanitarian/Public Safety Category

Nuclear Pioneer Reyes Achieves Historic Milestone

NuScale Power, co-founded by UMD alumnus José Reyes, is the first to win NRC approval for a small modular reactor (SMR) design.

How COVID Complicates a Historic Hurricane Season

As Sally Aims for Gulf Coast, Expert Urges Broader Thinking About Disaster Resilience, and Believing the Science

BBI Awards Seed Grants to Six Interdisciplinary Projects

Funded teams feature UMD faculty from 15 academic departments and six centers and institutes

BIOE Capstone Class Virtually Presents 24 Novel Projects

BIOE seniors present Capstone projects and celebrate winners virtually.

2020 Undergraduate Honors and Awards

Sixty-eight undergraduate students from the A. James Clark School of Engineering were recognized with 2020 Annual Engineering Honors and Awards.

Quarantines Increasingly Ignored as Some States Partially Reopen

Social Distancing Index declines 12 points nationwide

Building a Better, Eco-Friendlier Straw

Newly-published UMD research details a potential breakthrough

COVID-19 Engineering Solutions: In the News

Clark School researchers are working to create solutions and pool resources in efforts to minimize the spread of the disease, provide critical aid to health care workers and their patients, and monitor the impact of social distancing and travel restrictions.

Galloway Briefs Congress on Improved Flood Management

A leading water resources expert outlines steps needed for greater resilience.

Papamanthou Named Director of MC2

Papamanthou will provide leadership to the unique center that joins computer scientists and engineers with researchers from across campus in fields such as economics, supply-chain management and the social sciences.

Measuring Snow From Space

 UMD's Bart Forman and NASA colleagues are developing a new simulation tool that can determine the best method.

Daring Vision. Lasting Impact.

125 Years of Engineering Excellence at the University of Maryland (1894–2019)

UMD Welcomes New Class of Distinguished A. James Clark Scholars

The A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland welcomes 10 exceptional young engineers from across the state of Maryland as its newest class of A. James Clark Scholars.

Welcome, NAE Members

The Clark School welcomes six National Academy Engineering members who will be returning to or joining our faculty this fall.

Looking For Freshwater In All the Snowy Places

A team led by UMD professor Bart Forman is developing a tool to help satellites measure the water content of snow.

Aerospace Graduate's Gift Elevates Teacher's Legacy

Out of gratitude to his mentor, Jim Rand has made a generous gift to the Clark School in support of the Robert M. Rivello Scholarship.

Galloway: Midwestern floods part of a global problem

The trend towards increased severe flooding is set to continue worldwide, says UMD's Gerald Galloway.

Inventor Enjoys Fame in the Hall

Alumnus Chuck Popenoe inducted into the A. James Clark School of Engineering’s Innovation Hall of Fame for inventing SmartBolts®.

UMD Welcomes Inaugural Class of Distinguished A. James Clark Scholars

The A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland welcomes 10 exceptional young engineers from across the state of Maryland as its inaugural class of A. James Clark Scholars.

Clark School Names Chuck Popenoe 2018 IHOF Inductee

Popenoe is being honored for inventing SmartBolts®

With Engineering Projects, UMD Students Seek to Boost Education Access, Public Health, and Sustainability

EWB and MDSE partner with communities to improve quality of life locally and abroad.

New hole-punched crystal clears a path for quantum light

Photonic chip guides single photons, even when there are bends in the road

UMD Solar Decathlon Team Takes 1st Place in the U.S., 2nd Place in the World

Team Maryland Wins Silver at the 2017 Solar Decathlon

Government, Industry, Academia Representatives Collaborate to Advance Medical Device Innovation in Maryland

Robert E. Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices, RTI International draw capacity crowd to March 7th event.

UMD Team Set to Go at SpaceX Hyperloop Competition

UMD team competes in first ever hyperloop pod competition.

UMD Research Empowers Leaner Bus Systems for Schools

Created for the Howard County Public School System in Maryland, UMD's bus system optimization tool is potentially applicable to most school systems

UMD Engineering for Social Change Class Awards Non-Profit V-LINC $10,000 Grant to Support Custom Assistive Technology Program

Grant marks more than $30,000 in student-awarded grants given through landmark engineering philanthropy course.

Aerospace Engineering Inducts Five New Academy of Distinguished Alumni Members

Alumni Jones, Van Buiten, Van Wie, Wang and Weber inducted to department's Academy of Distinguished Alumni.

JaJa Connects UMD Experts with NSF South Big Data Hub Resources

ECE professor JaJa on steering committee to pair experts with government and industry to maximize big data's positive impact.

New Software Will Enhance Materials Science and Engineering’s Undergraduate Program

UMD wins one of six computational design toolkits from ASM International.

First UMD Engineering Course in Social Entrepreneurship Will Help Transform Local Elementary School

Engineering Students Award $10K to FRESHFARM Markets for their FoodPrints Program

New AFOSR NIFTI Center features eight Clark School faculty

Center will create bio-inspired solutions for small, remotely operated aircraft.

Stoliarov Promoted

FPE faculty member elevated to rank of Associate Professor with tenure.

Underwriters Laboratories President to Speak at Winter Commencement

Williams to deliver commencement remarks on Dec. 21.

UMD Clark School Highlights Disaster Resilience at Mpact Week

Five-day event focused on role of engineers in disaster prevention, mitigation, and response.

UMD Clark School Names Top 25 Source Schools

Annual list recognizes Maryland high schools that send the most students to the Clark School.

Clark School Alumnus Kub Honored for LED Material Innovation

Kub's Innovation Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to take place Nov. 25.

Fourney and Sanford Recognized at Annual SEM Meeting

Associate Dean William Fourney and Professor Emeritus R. J. Sanford receive awards at annual SEM meeting.

Redox, UMD, Microsoft, Trans-Tech to Develop Transformational Natural Gas Fuel Cells Through $5 Million in ARPA-E Funding

The goal of the project is to further advance Redox's high-performance fuel cells and drive them to market-readiness for a broad range of applications.

Gupta Receives AIAA Air Breathing Propulsion Award

Department of Mechanical Engineering Distinguished University Professor Ashwani Gupta receives 2014 AIAA Air Breathing Propulsion Award.

UMD's WaterShed Grows Roots at Pepco Facility, On Display at First Public Open House May 17

Bay-inspired Solar Decathlon winner now shines as innovative educational research center, open to public.

UMD-Designed WaterShed to Open at Pepco Sustainability Center Dedication

WaterShed sustainable structure was the winner of the 2011 U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon.

The Science, Technology and Society Program Build More than Just Robots

The STS Robotics Service Learning Program Works with Five K-12 Schools

Clark School Names Top 25 Source Schools

Annual list recognizes Maryland high schools that send the most students to the Clark School.

Tavis Smiley and the University of Maryland Announce $75,000 Social Innovation Challenge

Inaugural TS/UM Social Innovation Challenge to spur development of transformative solutions for societal issues.

Clark School Faculty Members to Receive Two Seed Grants

Professors Desai and Shapiro awarded $75,000 grants for research collaborations with UMB.

Alumnus Appointed Head of UConn Materials Science and Engineering

S. Pamir Alpay (Ph.D. '99, materials science and engineering) leads new department.

Clark School Names 2012-13 Top 25 Source Schools

List recognizes Maryland high schools that send the most students to the Clark School.

Barbe Receives Daily Record Innovator of the Year Award

Award honors Maryland individuals who have had a positive effect and tremendous impact in Maryland.

2011 Fischell Festival to Highlight Invention, Entrepreneurship

Product development, start-up ventures, FDA evaluation among topics to be covered.

UM a Lead University in National Clean Energy Business Plan Competition

UM and ACC partners receive grant to spur new clean energy ventures; Mtech is selected as the PI.

"Twenty-Year Window of Opportunity"

DOE official calls for "game-changing" technologies at opening of University of Maryland Energy Research Center.

Gupta Receives the Percy Nicholls Award

Mechanical engineering professor recognized for contributions to the field of solid fuels.

Entrepreneurship Endowment to Support Innovation

Hung Chang and Anchen Wang Lin Fund establishes new awards to encourage innovation.

Stewart Named 1st Huskamp Award Recipient

Endowed scholarship honors late UMD CIO, BioE Director; aids Great Expectations campaign.

Matysiak Joins BioE Faculty

Assistant professor studies protein engineering as applied to neurodegenerative diseases.

Bryan, Eisenstein Join BioE Faculty

Professors bring expertise in structural biology, biophysics to department.

Khalifa University Names Skibniewski Engineering Dean

Civil engineering professor joins Khalifa University of Science Technology and Research August 1.

Remedium Wins ORNL Global Venture Challenge

Blood-clotting foam takes top prize in security division.

Clark School Team Breaks Altitude Record

Students' amateur radio high altitude balloon tops previous record by nearly 3,000 feet.

ME Student Awarded the 2009 University Medal

Phillip Hannam receives the university’s highest honor awarded to a graduating senior.

Murray Bequest Supports ChBE

$200K gift for equipment also benefits Great Expectations Campaign.

Now That's Cool

Clark School engineers out to thaw the mysteries of ice.

ECE Centennial To Feature Dean Kamen

Department will mark 100th anniversary with forum events, gala September 26-27.

Ashwani K. Gupta Elevated to SAE Fellow Status

Designation is highest grade of membership bestowed by SAE International.

EWB Brings Solar to Burkina Faso

Sustainable power sources help illuminate community in developing African country.

Alumna Named to Black Enterprise's "Hot List"

Magazine features DeAnna Allen for accomplishments in the area of patent law.

Clark School Opens Search for Dean

For optimal consideration, applications should be received by November 19, 2007.

ECE Professor Introduces New "Desktop Supercomputing"

Uzi Vishkin's group develops first easy-to-program parallel processing supercomputer prototype.

Engineering Change in Burkina Faso

Engineers Without Borders team improves quality of life for African village.

From the Dean, March 2003

News from Dean Nariman Farvardin.

A. James Clark and Raymond Krizek inducted as honorary members to the American Society of Civil Engineers

On Wednesday, November 6, 2002, A. James (Jim) Clark,'50, and Raymond Krizek,'61, were inducted as honorary members to the American Society of Civil Engineers