Rory Cooper, PhD, McGowan affiliated faculty member and Director of the Human Engineering Research Laboratories, was recently awarded the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award (DESA). Dr. Cooper is a Paralympian, Army veteran, inventor, engineer, and disability advocate. He is also the Founding Director and VA Senior Research Career Scientist of the Human Engineering Research Laboratories, a collaboration between the University of Pittsburgh and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Research and Development.
DESA is the National Eagle Scout Association’s (NESA’s) highest honor. It is presented to Eagle Scouts who have achieved “extraordinary national-level recognition, fame, or eminence within their profession and/or service to the nation and have a strong record of voluntary service to their community.” Fewer than five people receive the award each year.
Strict award criteria include a minimum of 25 years “Time in Service” from the date the Eagle rank was achieved. Dr. Cooper is the only person from Western Pennsylvania to have received the award in the past 15 years.
The award was first introduced in 1969, and previous recipients include former President Gerald R. Ford, director Steven Spielberg, and astronaut Neil Armstrong.
Congratulations, Dr. Cooper!