Alumnus Receives Innovation Award

William Horn, '93, senior test engineer for Calspan Corporation, was recently recognized by Buffalo State for his contributions to the field of automobile safety. Horn, who graduated with a degree in electrical engineering technology, has been honored with the Year of the Innovator's "Innovator of the Month" award.

Horn has led Calspan’s efforts to design, manufacture, and install a modern, full-scale vehicle crash test system in India. The country, one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars, has been criticized for its lax regulation of vehicle-safety standards.

Calspan's new design meets the unique needs and requirements of the Indian government and allows Indian transportation regulatory agencies to run both United States- and European-type crash tests. By helping the company to install a new vehicle crash system, Horn is working to make India a safer place to drive.

"Thanks to Bill, the Indian government can now reliably test cars for safety," said Rita Zientek, interim dean of the School of the Professions, which is overseeing the Year of the Innovator academic theme.

"This theme provides the campus with the opportunity to highlight the numerous creative initiatives developed by alumni, students, faculty, and staff—ranging from economic development projects to patented inventions,” said Zientek.

Pictured: J. David Dunn (at right), lecturer of engineering technology, presents the Innovator of the Month award to William Horn.