Jon Khachaturian, founder and president of Versabar, is among the 68 new members and nine foreign associates recently elected to the National Academy of Engineering.
Election to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) is considered to be among the highest professional distinctions accorded to an engineer. Academy membership honors those who have made outstanding contributions to engineering research, practice, or education, including, where appropriate, significant contributions to the engineering literature, and to the pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of engineering, or developing/implementing innovative approaches to engineering education.
Signed into existence by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, the NAE performs a public service by bringing together committees of experts in all areas of scientific and technological endeavor. These experts serve pro bono to address critical national issues and provide counsel to the federal government and to the public.
Khachaturian, who founded Versabar in 1981, was elected for developing innovative, safe, reusable, and economical heavy-lifting systems to advance the international marine industry. He is currently the holder of 44 domestic and international patents.
The election of these new members brings the total US membership to 2,267 and the number of foreign associates to 196.
