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By Mark Owczarski

Kevin P. Granata

BLACKSBURG, Va., September 22, 2009 -- The new biomechanics research laboratory located in room 208 of Norris Hall at Virginia Tech has been named the Kevin P. Granata Biomechanics Laboratory as an enduring tribute to the late engineering professor who lost his life on April 16, 2007.

The naming of the laboratory in Granata’s honor came at the request of faculty from the Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics. It was formally approved by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors at its quarterly meeting held Aug. 31.

Granata, a professor in the Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics in the College of Engineering, was known by friends and colleagues as a man who was passionate, first and foremost, about his wife, Linda, and their children, Alex, Eric, and Ellen, and also about his work as an educator and researcher.

“Professor Granata was a distinguished scholar and educator,” said Engineering Science and Mechanics Department Head Ishwar Puri. “This naming not only honors his significant contributions to the field of biomechanics, but also his service, dedication, and sacrifice for his students.”

At Virginia Tech, Granata co-directed the Musculoskeletal Biomechanics Laboratory, a top-flight research facility, with colleague Michael Madigan of Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics.

More information on Granata’s research and life can be found at the We Remember website.

Read related Virginia Tech News stories:

• “University's civil and environmental engineering department uses art and renovated space to honor victims of April 16, 2007”
• “University unveils wooden sculpture honoring lives of April 2007 tragedy”
• “Marching Virginians team with Town of Blacksburg, Community Housing Partners to build house in honor of Ryan Clark”

Contact Mark Owczarski at maowczar@vt.edu or (540) 231-5223.

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