PORTLAND, OR, June 11, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Franz N. Rad, PhD, PE, SE, has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Dr. Rad has had a distinguished career in civil and structural engineering, marked by his significant contributions to academia and the engineering community. As a professor emeritus and the founding chair of the department of civil and environmental engineering at Portland State University, Dr. Rad has been instrumental in shaping the department's direction, expansion, and reputation. His tenure as the Arthur M. James Professor of Structural Engineering from 2004 to 2024 further solidified his influence in the field. Prior to this appointment, he served as a professor from 1980 to 2024, during which time he was elected seven consecutive times as the chair of the department between 1979 and 2002. Dr. Rad began his academic career as an assistant professor in 1971, advancing to associate professor by 1975.

Dr. Rad's legacy at Portland State University is profound, having developed six laboratories focused on structural design, geotechnical design, water resources and environmental studies. He was pivotal in installing the first and only shake table in the Pacific Northwest, serving as a testament to his commitment to advancing engineering education and research. His efforts were recognized when the university named its department of civil and environmental engineering office, conference rooms and largest classroom in his honor. Additionally, a scholarship was established in his name and that of his wife, Leecia.

Throughout his career, Dr. Rad has been actively involved with numerous professional organizations. He is a life member and past president of the of the Structural Engineers Association of Oregon, a Fellow of the American Concrete Institute, and a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers and has held leadership positions in the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the American Society for Engineering Education. His memberships extend to the American Concrete Institute, the National Society of Professional Engineers, the American Society for Engineering Education, the Prestressed Concrete Institute, the Post-Tensioning Institute, Professional Engineers of Oregon, Tau Beta Pi, Chi Epsilon, Phi Kappa Phi and Sigma Xi.

Dr. Rad's academic foundation was laid at The University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a Doctor of Philosophy in civil engineering in 1971 after completing a master's degree in 1969 and a bachelor's degree in 1968. His professional credentials include certifications as a professional engineer in civil engineering, obtained in 1976, and structural engineering, obtained in 1975, from the state of Oregon. He was elected as a member of the Distinguished Alumni at the University of Texas at Austin. Dr. Rad attributes his success to the support of his parents, his upbringing, UT professors, perseverance and hard work.

In addition to his academic achievements, Dr. Rad has made significant contributions to various civic organizations. He has been a contributor to undergraduate student scholarships at Portland State University since 2007 and has supported church initiatives and underprivileged communities through various organizations. His accolades include being named Engineer of the Year by the American Society of Civil Engineers' Oregon Section in 2002 and receiving the Excellence in Concrete Award from the ACI Oregon Chapter in 1992.

Dr. Rad is also an accomplished author with numerous research papers on earthquake damage and engineering to his credit. He has published over 150 technical papers and reports across various professional fields in structural engineering and forensic engineering. Beyond academia, he has explored his creative side as a songwriter with three music CDs.

In his personal life, Dr. Rad enjoys writing music, playing guitar, painting portraits, spending time with his three sons and traveling with his spouse, Leecia. Looking ahead, he plans to write a book exploring the connectivity between art and science while delving into the effects of artificial intelligence on engineering, serving as a reflection of his dual passions as both an artist and scientist.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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