North Branford Resident Inducted into Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering

The Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering recently inducted Pratt & Whitney Engineering Vice President Tom Prete, recognizing him among the state’s leading experts in science, engineering and technology. Pratt & Whitney is a United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX) company.

Prete’s selection is in recognition of his technical leadership in the design, manufacture and service of Pratt & Whitney’s world-class dependable aircraft engines. With oversight of more than 6,000 engineers worldwide, the academy cited his outstanding contributions to gas turbine propulsion technologies, including the safety, airworthiness, life management, product improvement and technology insertion of engines powering front-line military aircraft; as well as commercial aircraft powered by the company's PurePower® engines with Geared Turbofan™ technology.

The ceremony, held June 5, also recognized Peter Smith, vice president, Engineering, UTC Aerospace Systems; and United Technologies Research Center(UTRC) scientists Eric Amis, director, UTRC Physical Sciences Department; and Meredith Colket, UTRC senior fellow, Combustion. Pratt & Whitney President Paul Adams, also an engineer, was inducted in 2012.

“Last year I had the privilege of congratulating Alan Epstein [vice president of Technology and Environment], David Furrer [senior fellow discipline lead, Materials and Processes Engineering] and Allan Brockett [former vice president, Engineering – Module Centers] for their fantastic contributions to aerospace engineering and Pratt & Whitney,” Prete said. “It is an honor to be invited into the Academy and join a notable list of scientists and engineers.”

The Academy elects new members based on scientific and engineering distinction achieved through significant contributions in theory or applications, as demonstrated by original published books and papers, patents, the pioneering of new and developing fields and innovative products, outstanding leadership of nationally recognized technical teams, and external professional awards in recognition of scientific and engineering excellence. The Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering is limited to 400 members by Academy bylaws.

Prete is also a member of the University of Connecticut School of Engineering Academy of Distinguished Alumni and a member of the University of Connecticut School of Engineering Senior Advisory Board. He currently leads Pratt & Whitney’s global Engineering organization, advancing market-changing technologies and leading the continued improvement of the jet-engine.

“I want to thank all of the innovative Pratt & Whitney engineers who I have worked alongside for the last 26 years,” Prete said. “There are many excellent engineers at Pratt & Whitney that have challenged and inspired me to do everything that has led to my induction.”

The Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering was chartered by the Connecticut General Assembly in 1976 to provide expert guidance on science and technology to the people and to the state of Connecticut, and to promote the application of science and technology to human welfare and economic well-being. For more information about the academy, please see www.ctcase.org.