Thomas M. Murray

Montague-Betts Professor of Structural Steel Design, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Thomas M. Murray of Blacksburg, Va., is the Montague-Betts professor of structural steel design at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. An expert in structural steel design, Murray has focused on the areas of floor vibration problems, metal building roof design and moment end-plate connections.

Engineering News-Record dubbed him the "floor vibration guru" for his research into floor serviceability. Along with his other areas of expertise, Murray has significantly affected the economics and safety of steel-framed buildings. Virtually every structural engineer is aware of and uses his design criteria.

He has written six books and monograms and more than 125 papers for refereed journals, conference proceedings and technical magazines. He also has given more than 250 presentations at local, state, national and international professional meetings. He has received numerous teaching awards, and in 2002, he was one of 74 engineers in the United States to be elected to the National Academy of Engineering.