RALEIGH, N.C.– Professor Veronica Augustyn was named the inaugural Jake and Jennifer Hooks Distinguished Scholar in Materials Science and Engineering, effective September 1, 2022. “I am extremely honored to be named the first Jake and Jennifer Hooks Distinguished Scholar in the NC State University Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE),” says Augustyn. “This honor reflects the creativity and impact of materials research by our group members past and present. I sincerely thank the Hooks for their generosity in supporting NC State MSE and our research group.” Research in Prof. Augustyn’s group focuses on materials for electrochemical energy and environmental applications.
About the Hooks
Jake Hooks received his B.S. in materials science and engineering in 1978. He is the retired president of Automotive North America, Eaton Corporation and a former member of the Nittan Valve Co. Ltd. Board of Directors.
Hooks currently serves on the board of the NC State University Foundation, Inc. He previously served on the NC State Engineering Foundation, Inc. as Development Chair and he also served on the Park Scholars Selection Committee.
Hooks is a recipient of the 2015 MSE Hall of Fame award and the 2019 Distinguished Alumnus award.
In 2013, Hooks and his wife, Jennifer, established the Jacob T. Hooks, Sr. Scholarship in Materials Science and Engineering in honor of his father, who also studied at NC State. They are Wolfpack Club members, part of the Fitts-Woolard Hall Cornerstone Society. Hooks is a lifetime member of the Alumni Association, a member of the R.S. Pullen Society and a member of the W.C. Riddick Society.
In addition to all of their support above, Jake and Jennifer named the third-floor atrium in Engineering Building I and also named the Dean’s Suite in Fitts-Wooloard Hall.
If you would like to learn more about giving to the department, please connect with Development Officer Sara Seltzer.