Shawn Blanton, professor of electrical and computer engineering at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, received the Golden Torch Award for Lifetime Achievement in Academia from the National Society of Black Engineers. The Golden Torch Awards honor individuals, companies, and institutions that have produced a consistent body of highly distinguished work, served as role models for others, and advanced opportunities for African Americans within the STEM industry.
“I am very honored to receive this award, but none of the accomplishments accredited to me would have been possible without the backing of the university in general, and College of Engineering in particular,” said Dr. Blanton.
Dr. Blanton is the founder and director of the Advanced Chip Test Laboratory, which focuses on developing and implementing design methodologies and associated data-mining techniques for improving the fabrication, operation, security, and testing of integrated systems. His work has yielded more than 200 publications and he holds seven patents.
At Carnegie Mellon, Professor Blanton has served in many key roles, including interim vice provost for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and, within the College of Engineering, acting associate dean for diversity and inclusion and chair of the diversity, inclusion, and outreach committee.
Professor Blanton is a graduate of what is now Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He holds a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Arizona and a Ph.D. in computer science and engineering from the University of Michigan.
