Daniel J. Schneck of Christiansburg, Va., engineering science and mechanics professor emeritus in the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech, has drawn from his unique and diverse background in engineering, music, medicine, and law to write his new book, “Searching,” which includes 52 essays that address the multi-dimensional human experience.

“Searching” deals with a philosophy of living that is based on encouragement, hope, optimism, personal self-confidence, and fulfillment on many levels of human consciousness – among them, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, scientific, and spiritual. The book explores concepts of simple wisdom and fundamental principles that lead to a satisfying lifestyle.

The book is divided into three parts: part one addresses the insatiable and perpetual search for knowledge and through it, truth. Part two deals with the continuous life-long search for the elusive “self” and through it, identity. In part three, the author examines the everlasting search for meaningful social and familial relationships and through them, some sense of the purpose of life.

This is the 20th book Schneck has written. His work has been widely acknowledged by his readers for his simple wisdom and common sense. Schneck’s writing is thought provoking, mentally exciting, visually stimulating, and just plan fun.

Schneck joined the Virginia Tech engineering faculty in 1973 and played a lead role in establishing the university’s biomedical engineering program. His research interests include biomechanics, musculo-skeletal mechanics, blood flow, fluid/biological-fluid mechanics, and brain information processing. Since retiring in 2001, Schneck has established his own consulting firm, working as a forensic biomechanical engineer and research scientist in music therapy. He is an adjunct professor at Virginia Tech and a visiting adjunct professor of music at Queens University in Charlotte, N.C.

Schneck was recently inducted into the 2005 “Inaugural Class” of Fellows of the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES). He is being recognized for his pioneering contributions to biomedical engineering education, significant achievements in blood rheology and musculo-skeletal research, and for many years of dedicated public service to the biomedical engineering community. BMES Fellows are named for their national and international contributions and for inspired leadership.

Among his many awards and honors, Schneck was selected by the American Society for Engineering Education to receive the Outstanding Biomedical Engineering Educator Award in 1991. He was named a founding Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering in 1992, which places him among the top two percent of biomedical engineers worldwide who have helped shape the profession.

Schneck earned his bachelor’s degree from City College of New York, a master’s degree from New York University, and a Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University.

Schneck and his wife, Judi, are both Juilliard-trained accomplished violinists and are retired from the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra. They continue to be active in music by performing in the Alleghany String Quartet and teaching music at Blacksburg New School.

Share this story