Background
Picha, Kenneth George was born on July 24, 1925 in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Son of George and Sylvia (Beran) Picha.
Mechanical engineering educator
Picha, Kenneth George was born on July 24, 1925 in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Son of George and Sylvia (Beran) Picha.
B.Mech. Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 1946. Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 1948. Doctor of Philosophy, University Minnesota, 1957.
Research scientist, National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, 1948-1949;
instructor, then associate professor, Georgia Institute Technology School Mech. Engineering, 1949-1958;
director, Georgia Institute Technology School Mech. Engineering (School), 1960-1966;
program director engineering science program, National Science Foundation, 1958-1960;
dean, U. Massachusetts School Engineering, Amherst, 1966-1976;
director Office to Coordinate Energy Research and Education, U. Massachusetts School Engineering, Amherst, 1977-1980;
professor mechanic engineering, U. Massachusetts School Engineering, Amherst, 1980-1989;
professor emeritus, U. Massachusetts School Engineering, Amherst, since 1989;
director Office University Programs, Energy Research and Development Administration, U. Massachusetts School Engineering, Amherst, 1976-1977.
Visiting professor, consultant U Puerto Rico, Mayaguez, 1982-1983. Consultant in field, since 1959. Consultant Government Singapore on U. Singapore master planning, 1970-1971;member of advisory board International Technology Education Cons., 1978.
Chairman engineering education and accreditation committee Engineers Council for Professional Development, 1973-1974. Chairman commission education engineering profession National Association Land Grant Colleges Universities. Chairman manpower development committee National Air Pollution Control Agency, 1970-1971.
Vice chairman Council for Specialized Accreditation, 1973-1977. Vice-chairman member Executive Committee Council on Post Secondary Accreditation, 1974-1977. National Science Foundation advising committee Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 1972-1975.
Fulbright Scholar University College Galway, Ireland, 1986-1987.
Board Governors Massachusetts Science and Technology Foundation, 1970-1976. Board visitors School Engineering U. Pittsburgh. Member Discipline Advisory Committee for Fulbright Scholar Awards, 1991-1995.
Served with United States Naval Reserve, 1943-1946. Fellow American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Society Engineering Education (director, member Executive Committee 1974-1976), Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology. Member Georgia Institute Technology National Alumni Association, Sigma Xi, Tau Beta Pi, Phi Kappa Phi, Pi Tau Sigma.
Married Vivien O. Crawford, May 1, 1948. Children: Kenneth George, Kevin Crawford, Katrina Alison.