The fourth Shah Family Innovation Prize was awarded to Joshua M. Marrow, a professional engineer with Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc.

Marrow was awarded the prize in recognition of his broad range of innovative, entrepreneurial, and professional activities and his promise for future contributions to the field of earthquake engineering. In addressing new techniques to minimize earthquake economic losses from damage to stored materials, including wine, he has demonstrated innovative thinking and an entrepreneurial spirit. These activities have been sustained continuously, beginning with his Master's thesis. Marrow has been an active contributor and leader of EERI's Information Technology Committee in developing applications of IT to post-earthquake field investigations. His public service has included mentoring gifted and underprivileged high school students.

Endowed by a generous gift from the Haresh Shah family, the $10,000 Shah Family Innovation Prize is awarded annually to younger professionals and academics for creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit in the field of earthquake risk mitigation and management. The prize recognizes and honors individuals who have been involved in the development of cutting-edge, innovative solutions to problems in earthquake engineering and related disciplines. Recipients should be in the developing or expanding stage of his or her career, with the promise of important contributions ahead. Past prize recipients are Bret Lizundia, Structural Engineer, Rutherford and Chekene, San Francisco, California; Nicos Makris, Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, University of California, Berkeley; Durgesh Rai, Professor, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India and Stephanie Chang, Associate Professor at the University of British Colulmbia, Vancouver.

The Shah Family Innovation Prize Selection Committee selected Mr. Marrow from a large field of very strong candidates. The committee was chaired by Robert D. Hanson, University of Michigan/FEMA.  Committee members included Weimin Dong, Risk Management Solutions; William T. Holmes, Rutherford and Chekene; Wilfred D. Iwan, California Institute of Technology; and Peter J. May, University of Washington. Follow this link for a description of the nomination process and selection criteria.