An internationally recognized scientist assigned to the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory was awarded the prestigious Trent-Crede Medal for excellence in acoustic research during a joint ceremony hosted by the Acoustical Society of America and Acoustical Society of Japan Dec. 1, 2016 in Honolulu.
Dr. Earl G. Williams, a senior scientist in NRL’s acoustics division was recognized for his 34 years of research, major contributions in the acoustics field and “for development and application of near-field acoustical holography,” according to his citation.
“It is the greatest honor of my career, a culmination of my life’s work, to receive the Trent-Crede medal,” said Williams, who has been working in structural acoustics, radiation and scattering and electromagnetics at NRL since 1982.
The Trent-Crede Medal is presented to an individual every two to six years who has made an outstanding contribution to the science of mechanical vibration and shock, as evidenced by publication of research results in professional journals or by other accomplishments in the field, the citation reads. The previous year the award was received was in 2011. Only 14 individuals have received the medal (not including Williams) since its inception in 1969.
Williams, whose pioneering research in near-field acoustical holography has impacted acoustics research and development throughout the world, credits his colleagues at NRL – and particularly, his former boss, Dr. Joseph Bucaro, for providing “a unique and supportive work place” in helping him build a successful career.
An alum of the Univ. of Pennsylvania, Harvard and Penn State, Williams’ work has been recognized by NRL as one of its most innovative technologies over the past 75 years. He has an extensive list of publications in major journals and has received numerous publication awards.
Author of the popular textbook, “Fourier Acoustics: Sound Radiation and Near-field Acoustical Holography,” Williams is also a fellow of the Acoustical Society of America and has worked more than 16 years as an associate editor for its journal.
In 2009 he was awarded the Per Bruel Gold Medal from the ASME “in recognition of eminent achievement and extraordinary merit in the field of noise control and acoustics.”